Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sandy, UT: $72.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sandy, UT runs $72.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sandy's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sandy, Utah, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $72.52, which is slightly below the national average of $73.02. This hourly compensation reflects the high-stress environments in which controllers typically work, such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and control towers. For those considering part-time roles, working just three days a week, or opting for per-diem positions, this structured pay can lead to substantial earnings over time. Given the hourly range of $42.06 to $106.01, aspiring controllers can expect various income levels as they progress in their careers. The figures indicate a promising opportunity for individuals entering the field or seeking to negotiate their compensation based on skill and experience.
About the Sandy 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) | $42.06 | $336.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.22 | $417.75 |
| Median (P50) | $72.52 | $580.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.83 | $742.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.01 | $848.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sandy
Based on $72.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sandy, UT can expect to earn approximately $150,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,020. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sandy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sandy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,900.68 | $12,570 | $150,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,740.41 | $7,542 | $90,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,160.27 | $5,028 | $60,334 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sandy) | $72.52 |
| 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 Sandy, UT earn a median of $150,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Utah state average of $149,055.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.52/hr = $90,501/year (purchasing power: $92,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,835/year (purchasing power: $153,757).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sandy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sandy grew 20.4% from $58.72/hr (2019) to $70.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.38/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 Sandy 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 Sandy
Part-time air traffic controllers working a 24-hour week can expect to take home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, but still commendable given the profession's demands. The nature of air traffic work often involves supplementary income through overtime, with rates at 1.5 times the base pay. Many controllers in Sandy, especially those at understaffed FAA facilities, frequently clock in 50-60 hours a week, resulting in annual earnings that can jump by $50,000 to $100,000 or more due to overtime. Different employers, such as en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers, offer varying pay scales that can impact overall earnings. While some controllers prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits, others opt for a more stable income with health insurance included. For those negotiating hourly compensation in Sandy, it's wise to consider not just the rate but also the total package offered by each employer, especially given the unique challenges of air traffic control work.
More salary data for Sandy, 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 Sandy. 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 Sandy 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