Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sheridan, WY: $68.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sheridan, WY runs $68.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,490 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sheridan's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Sheridan, Wyoming, earn a median hourly rate of $68.51, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This local wage represents the remuneration for part-time controllers, especially those working around 24 hours a week, allowing for a flexible work-life balance in facilities such as en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers. The hourly wage range for controllers in Sheridan extends from $39.74 for entry-level positions to $93.42 for top earners, reflecting the various responsibilities and skill levels across the profession. These numbers are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, giving aspiring air traffic controllers a clear idea of potential earnings while offering insight into the impact of job settings on pay structures.
About the Sheridan Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.74 | $317.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.33 | $394.61 |
| Median (P50) | $68.51 | $548.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.55 | $684.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.42 | $747.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sheridan
Based on $68.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sheridan, WY can expect to earn approximately $142,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,208. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sheridan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sheridan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,740.26 | $11,874 | $142,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,644.16 | $7,125 | $85,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,096.10 | $4,750 | $56,997 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sheridan) | $68.51 |
| 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 Sheridan, WY earn a median of $142,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Wyoming state average of $149,204.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.51/hr = $85,496/year (purchasing power: $89,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,494/year (purchasing power: $148,741).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sheridan grew 20.4% from $55.47/hr (2019) to $66.79/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.27/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 Sheridan 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 Sheridan
A three-day workweek results in an annual income that can differ significantly for air traffic controllers in Sheridan compared to full-time positions. Controllers often experience extensive overtime, with many working 50-60 hours weekly, which can drive their effective hourly compensation far above the base rate, yielding additional earnings of $50k to $100k each year in overtime. Per diem opportunities also come into play for those undergoing training at different facilities, although federal regulations prevent independent contracting for FAA positions. Earnings can vary depending on the type of employer, with FAA en route centers typically offering different pay structures than smaller contract towers or military positions. Additionally, controllers might face a trade-off between lower hourly wages with comprehensive benefits and higher pay without health coverage. For those considering a move to Sheridan, understanding negotiation strategies and local employer expectations can be vital in maximizing compensation in a region that still experiences the effects of chronic staffing shortages within the FAA system.
More salary data for Sheridan, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sheridan in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Sheridan?
Are air traffic controllers in Sheridan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Sheridan?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Sheridan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Sheridan. 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 Sheridan 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