Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $59.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Alabaster, AL runs $59.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,741 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, the projected median air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 stands at $59.01. This figure contrasts with the national median of $73.02, indicating a regional disparity that may entice some professionals to consider relocating to higher-paying areas. For those working part-time, typically on a schedule of three days per week, the earning potential can be significant. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Alabaster varies from an entry-level rate of $34.51 to top earners making $84.75 per hour. Such distinction reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within this high-stake profession, where controllers often operate from environments like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers, all demanding high concentration and precision.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.51 | $276.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.73 | $349.80 |
| Median (P50) | $59.01 | $472.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.70 | $589.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.75 | $678.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $59.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $122,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,810. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,360.34 | $10,228 | $122,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,416.20 | $6,137 | $73,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $944.14 | $4,091 | $49,095 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Alabaster) | $59.01 |
| 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 Alabaster, AL earn a median of $122,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $126,668.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.01/hr = $73,643/year (purchasing power: $83,780).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,738/year (purchasing power: $139,633).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Alabaster grew 20.4% from $47.78/hr (2019) to $57.53/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.53/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 Alabaster 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 Alabaster
As air traffic controller hourly rates in Alabama can differ based on the type of employer, it's crucial for professionals to understand their potential income. For instance, agencies and contractors, while potentially offering lower hourly compensation, might also provide more flexibility and various per diem arrangements. A controller opting for part-time work at 24 hours weekly would find their annual take-home income quite different compared to a full-time controller. On the other hand, those working within FAA facilities may leverage overtime opportunities, which often pay 1.5 times the base rate, significantly boosting total compensation, especially in understaffed locations. For these professionals, negotiating benefits can be essential; some may choose slightly lower pay in favor of health insurance and retirement options. Understanding the employment landscape in Alabaster, AL, including the unique payment structures at FAA en route centers versus agency roles, provides controllers with valuable insights for maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Alabaster in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Alabaster?
Are air traffic controllers in Alabaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Alabaster?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Alabaster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Alabaster. 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 Alabaster 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