Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sugar Land, TX: $69.90 (2026)

For part-time controllers working three days per week, the annual take-home pay reflects a significant contrast to their full-time counterparts, as their earnings would be based on fewer hours worked annually. Many of these professionals can enhance their income through overtime, which often inflates effective hourly compensation well above the standard base rate. This is particularly relevant in understaffed facilities, where controllers frequently clock in 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to annual overtime earnings that can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Additionally, specific employers—such as FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and airport towers—may offer different rates, depending on the demands and funding of their operations. Some air traffic controllers opt for positions that come with health benefits, even if that means accepting lower hourly rates, balancing immediate compensation with long-term financial and health security. Negotiating hourly rates, especially for part-time or per diem positions in Sugar Land, should consider factors such as available shifts, facility understaffing, and the unique contractual terms set by the FAA or contractor entities.