Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Wichita Falls, TX: $71.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Wichita Falls, TX runs $71.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,513 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Wichita Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wichita Falls, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $71.88, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This position offers considerable earning potential for part-time workers, particularly when one considers shifts at busy en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport towers. With hourly rates ranging from $41.69 for entry-level positions to $103.43 for the most experienced controllers, the profession provides ample opportunities for varying schedules. Such flexibility can be ideal for those seeking per-diem work or who are trying to balance personal commitments while working part-time, potentially scheduling shifts three days a week within the demanding environments all around aviation.
About the Wichita Falls 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) | $41.69 | $333.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.78 | $414.22 |
| Median (P50) | $71.88 | $575.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.00 | $735.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.43 | $827.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita Falls
Based on $71.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.88/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita Falls, TX can expect to earn approximately $149,513 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,257. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,875.24 | $12,459 | $149,513 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,725.15 | $7,476 | $89,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,150.10 | $4,984 | $59,805 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Wichita Falls) | $71.88 |
| 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 Wichita Falls, TX earn a median of $149,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% above the Texas state average of $145,867.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.88/hr = $89,708/year (purchasing power: $93,445).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,513/year (purchasing power: $155,742).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wichita Falls grew 20.4% from $58.21/hr (2019) to $70.08/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.73/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 Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
When analyzing earning potential, part-time controllers working 24 hours a week could expect a stable income but would generally earn less annually than their full-time counterparts who might work consistent overtime. Overtime, with a rate of 1.5 times the base, significantly impacts overall compensation, especially at understaffed facilities where controllers often clock in 50 to 60 hours per week. Moreover, options like per diem air traffic controller pay in Wichita Falls can be negotiable depending on the facility and training needs. Job types vary in compensation; for instance, air traffic controllers at FAA ARTCCs and TRACONs may have different pay structures than those at FAA contract towers. Just as importantly, the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits can shape job negotiations; some professionals may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare packages, which can be a frequent consideration. Understanding local labor market dynamics in Wichita Falls is essential for both new hires and seasoned controllers aiming to negotiate their worth effectively in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wichita Falls in 2026?
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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 Wichita Falls. 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 Wichita Falls 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