Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Stephenville, TX: $65.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Stephenville, TX runs $65.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Stephenville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stephenville, Texas, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at a median of $65.53, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This compensation translates well for those who work part-time or in per-diem capacities, typically covering shifts in settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. With an hourly range spanning from $39.34 for entry-level positions to $86.73 for top earners, controllers in Stephenville enjoy a variety of work arrangements and schedules. Given the long hours and high stress of the role, many enter these positions based on their salary expectations, which are estimated from annual compensation data.
About the Stephenville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.34 | $314.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.96 | $391.65 |
| Median (P50) | $65.53 | $524.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.22 | $641.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.73 | $693.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stephenville
Based on $65.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.53/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stephenville, TX can expect to earn approximately $136,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,638. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Stephenville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stephenville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,621.28 | $11,359 | $136,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.77 | $6,815 | $81,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.51 | $4,544 | $54,523 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Stephenville) | $65.53 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Stephenville, TX earn a median of $136,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.50% below the Texas state average of $145,776.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.53/hr = $81,784/year (purchasing power: $85,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,307/year (purchasing power: $141,986).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stephenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Stephenville grew 20.4% from $53.06/hr (2019) to $63.89/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Stephenville
For those contemplating part-time work, an air traffic controller working three days a week for 24 hours could see a sizable difference in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. The reality of being a per-diem air traffic controller in Stephenville also means engaging in overtime, often resulting in effective hourly compensation that far exceeds the base pay when working 50-60 hours per week. With facilities frequently understaffed, controllers might see additional earnings through overtime on top of their hourly rate, and during training transfers, per-diem pay can be negotiated further. The variations in pay based on employer types across the sector in Stephenville—from FAA en route centers to military operations—can influence overall compensation. While some controllers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for superior health benefits, others might prioritize immediate compensation. Understanding these dynamics and knowing how to negotiate effectively are crucial for success in this competitive field.
More salary data for Stephenville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Stephenville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stephenville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov