Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tyler, TX: $70.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tyler, TX runs $70.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,133 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tyler's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,274 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tyler, Texas, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $70.73, slightly below the national average of $73.02 per hour. This figure signifies a promising option for part-time or per-diem workers who may find themselves in various control settings. Whether stationed at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, or local airport towers, controllers often work in environments that balance high-pressure decision-making with technological precision. Entry-level positions earn around $41.03 per hour, providing a viable entry point into the field, while top earners can make up to $106.85 per hour, reflecting the skills required as controllers gain experience and navigate more complex traffic scenarios. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, highlighting the financial potential in the region.
About the Tyler 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) | $41.03 | $328.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.13 | $409.05 |
| Median (P50) | $70.73 | $565.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.54 | $724.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.85 | $854.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tyler
Based on $70.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tyler, TX can expect to earn approximately $147,123 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,879. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tyler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tyler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,829.29 | $12,260 | $147,123 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,697.57 | $7,356 | $88,274 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,131.72 | $4,904 | $58,849 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tyler) | $70.73 |
| 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 Tyler, TX earn a median of $147,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Texas state average of $145,820.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.73/hr = $88,274/year (purchasing power: $91,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,123/year (purchasing power: $153,253).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tyler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tyler grew 20.4% from $57.28/hr (2019) to $68.96/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.55/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 Tyler 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 Tyler
Part-time air traffic controllers working a 3-day-a-week schedule can take home a notable income, but the figures can significantly diverge from full-time compensation. For instance, working approximately 24 hours weekly, a part-time air traffic controller could expect to earn about $88,687 annually, while full-time counterparts could reach considerably higher figures. The per-diem work structure often offers even greater earning potential, as agency workers can negotiate rates during various training sessions and facility transfers. The reality of overtime in this field can amplify earning capacities, with many controllers frequently working 50-60 hours a week, stacking additional income from overtime pay. Each sector in Tyler varies in compensation; whether working with the FAA at ARTCCs, TRACONs, or in military roles, the flexibility of pay often accompanies a decision to forego benefits for higher hourly wages. As Tyler's job market remains competitive, negotiations can be tailored to reflect both hourly needs and employment benefits, ensuring controllers align their pay with their financial goals.
More salary data for Tyler, 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 Tyler. 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 Tyler 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