Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Daphne, AL: $59.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Daphne, AL runs $59.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Daphne's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median rate of $59.56, which trails the national hourly median of $73.02. This figure represents considerable earning potential for those working in various air traffic control environments, including en route centers and airport control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, allowing for a flexible schedule while still achieving a competitive wage. Additionally, per-diem work in this field may vary widely, but the hourly range from entry-level positions at $34.55 to experienced personnel at $86.61 indicates clear pathways for advancement within the profession. The projected data for 2026 suggests a lucrative landscape for air traffic controllers in Daphne, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining aviation safety and efficiency.
About the Daphne 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) | $34.55 | $276.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.88 | $343.08 |
| Median (P50) | $59.56 | $476.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.75 | $589.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.61 | $692.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daphne
Based on $59.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.56/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daphne, AL can expect to earn approximately $123,890 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,475. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Daphne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daphne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,382.50 | $10,324 | $123,890 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,429.50 | $6,194 | $74,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $953.00 | $4,130 | $49,556 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Daphne) | $59.56 |
| 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 Daphne, AL earn a median of $123,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $126,668.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.56/hr = $74,334/year (purchasing power: $84,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,890/year (purchasing power: $140,944).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Daphne grew 20.4% from $48.23/hr (2019) to $58.07/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.09/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 Daphne 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 Daphne
When examining the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers, a 24-hour workweek translates to significant annual earnings, although full-time roles often provide advantages in overtime compensation. Controllers often see their effective hourly compensation rise above the base rate due to a culture of working extra hours, particularly in understaffed facilities where overtime can generate an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Those pursuing per diem positions must negotiate their pay during training periods, which can vary by facility type, including FAA en route centers and TRACONs. Notably, working at government-operated facilities typically comes with better benefits, which influences the hourly comparisons for many. Ultimately, air traffic controllers in Daphne must effectively negotiate their pay based on collective work hours, facility type, and the balance between higher pay and comprehensive benefits to maximize their earning potential in a competitive industry.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
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 Daphne. 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 Daphne 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