Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Victoria, TX: $68.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Victoria, TX runs $68.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Victoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,971 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Victoria, TX, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $68.09, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This figure provides a substantial income for those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements in a field characterized by demanding environments, such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. With an hourly range stretching from $39.49 at entry-level positions to $100.67 for seasoned controllers, individuals can tailor their work schedules accordingly. Part-time controllers working three days per week can manage a rewarding lifestyle while still reaping the financial benefits that accompany this profession, especially when placed in high-demand settings. Hourly estimates reflect data derived from annual salary figures, offering valuable insights for prospective controllers navigating their earning potential in Victoria.
About the Victoria 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) | $39.49 | $315.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.02 | $392.15 |
| Median (P50) | $68.09 | $544.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.14 | $697.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.67 | $805.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Victoria
Based on $68.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.09/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Victoria, TX can expect to earn approximately $141,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,703. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Victoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Victoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,723.44 | $11,802 | $141,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,634.06 | $7,081 | $84,971 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,089.38 | $4,721 | $56,648 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Victoria) | $68.09 |
| 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 Victoria, TX earn a median of $141,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% below the Texas state average of $145,838.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.09/hr = $84,971/year (purchasing power: $88,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,619/year (purchasing power: $147,520).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Victoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Victoria grew 20.4% from $55.13/hr (2019) to $66.38/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.84/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 Victoria 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 Victoria
When assessing hourly earnings, a part-time air traffic controller in Victoria working a 24-hour week could expect to take home a respectable annual income while enjoying a more flexible schedule compared to their full-time counterparts. The option for per-diem contracts often results in significant earning power, highlighting the potential for controllers to earn overtime at a rate of 1.5 times the base hourly wage, effectively elevating their compensation well beyond the base pay scale. In Victoria, controller salary variability can also be attributed to the type of facility—FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers provide diverse experiences and pay structures. Some controllers may opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages yet come with comprehensive health insurance, creating a nuanced decision-making process when evaluating job offers. Negotiation skills can be an effective tool for aspiring controllers, particularly in securing favorable contracts and benefits, which can dramatically impact overall pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Victoria, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Victoria in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Victoria?
Are air traffic controllers in Victoria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Victoria?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Victoria?
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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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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