Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $77.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Des Moines, WA runs $77.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly pay of $77.70, exceeding the national median of $73.02. This pay scale significantly enhances the earning potential for part-time workers, creating attractive opportunities for those focused on flexible schedules. Part-time controllers working three days a week at traditional en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers can still achieve substantial earnings even without a full-time commitment. The hourly pay range for this profession varies from $45.07 for entry-level positions to $110.19 for top earners, indicating a promising trajectory for those in the field. These estimates are based on annual salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2026 and reflect the specialized nature of air traffic control work environments, which include dimly lit radar consoles and vital traffic management cells.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.07 | $360.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.94 | $447.53 |
| Median (P50) | $77.70 | $621.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.10 | $792.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.19 | $881.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $77.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.70/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $161,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,236. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,107.87 | $13,467 | $161,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,864.72 | $8,080 | $96,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,243.15 | $5,387 | $64,644 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Des Moines) | $77.70 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $161,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $163,085.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.70/hr = $96,966/year (purchasing power: $90,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,609/year (purchasing power: $150,474).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Des Moines grew 20.4% from $62.92/hr (2019) to $75.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.69/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Hourly compensation in this profession takes on different dynamics, particularly for those choosing to work part-time or on a per-diem basis. A controller working three days a week may earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts; however, the appeal of flexible hours often outweighs the potential lower annual take-home pay. Many in the field also benefit from overtime pay, which can elevate effective earnings far above base rates. Controllers, especially at FAA facilities facing staffing shortages, frequently clock in 50-60 hours per week, leading to additional compensation that can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Pay rates can differ based on the type of employer, with FAA en route centers and terminal facilities often offering higher salaries than smaller contract towers. Some controllers accept lower hourly rates for the assurance of health benefits, illustrating the trade-offs professionals make when considering their employment choices. For those negotiating contracts in Des Moines, understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits is key to maximizing their career outcomes.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Des Moines in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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