Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in American Fork, UT: $70.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in American Fork, UT runs $70.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against American Fork's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air traffic controllers in American Fork, Utah, can expect a median hourly pay of $70.77 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate indicates robust compensation for those managing the crucial tasks of overseeing en route traffic, coordinating take-offs and landings, and ensuring safe flight paths. For workers considering part-time schedules, such as 24-hour workweeks (three days a week), this translates to significant earnings that can complement other income sources. The estimates reflect a wide hourly range, from $41.05 at the 10th percentile to $97.48 at the 90th percentile, allowing for a diverse array of earning potential based on experience and facility type. From busy airport towers to dimly lit TRACON centers, the variety in work settings can greatly influence an air traffic controller's weekly and per diem compensation.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.05 | $328.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.96 | $407.65 |
| Median (P50) | $70.77 | $566.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.51 | $708.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.48 | $779.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in American Fork
Based on $70.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in American Fork, UT can expect to earn approximately $147,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,928. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in American Fork.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in American Fork
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,830.93 | $12,267 | $147,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,698.56 | $7,360 | $88,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,132.37 | $4,907 | $58,883 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (American Fork) | $70.77 |
| 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 American Fork, UT earn a median of $147,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Utah state average of $149,006.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.77/hr = $88,325/year (purchasing power: $90,036).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,208/year (purchasing power: $150,060).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in American Fork grew 20.4% from $57.31/hr (2019) to $69.00/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.59/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 American Fork 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 American Fork
The part-time earning potential for air traffic controllers in American Fork reveals a compelling choice for those looking to maximize their take-home pay. A controller working three days a week could make a substantial income annually while benefiting from more personal time. Furthermore, the dynamics of per-diem or agency work introduce another layer to the compensation structure. Controllers often experience overtime that significantly boosts their effective hourly earnings, with many working 50-60 hours per week. This extra time on the job can translate to an annual increase of $50,000 to $100,000, which greatly enhances overall compensation. Employment at various facility types—such as FAA en route centers or contract towers—also affects earnings, with shifts and overtime arrangements differing across employer categories. Many controllers may opt for roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, recognizing the value of job security within the FAA's structured environment. Negotiating hours and terms can further optimize pay, especially for those entering the field in a market like American Fork, which still grapples with chronic staffing shortages.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
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 American Fork. 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 American Fork 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