Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Huntsville, AL: $63.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Huntsville, AL runs $63.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntsville, Alabama, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $63.79 in 2026. Comparatively, this figure falls below the national hourly median of $73.02, indicating a unique regional positioning within the broader landscape of air traffic control compensation. For those in part-time roles, such as controllers working three days per week, this translates into significant earning potential, particularly in facilities that include en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. Entry-level professionals may start around $37.00 per hour, while top earners can command up to $94.71, showcasing the range of salaries available for different experience levels in this vital profession. These hourly rates are estimated based on annual salaries projected for 2026, providing a useful benchmark for those considering a career in air traffic control in Huntsville.
About the Huntsville 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) | $37.00 | $295.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.93 | $367.45 |
| Median (P50) | $63.79 | $510.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.65 | $653.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.71 | $757.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $63.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, AL can expect to earn approximately $132,680 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,546. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,551.53 | $11,057 | $132,680 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,530.92 | $6,634 | $79,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,020.61 | $4,423 | $53,072 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Huntsville) | $63.79 |
| 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 Huntsville, AL earn a median of $132,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.64% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% above the Alabama state average of $126,725.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.79/hr = $79,608/year (purchasing power: $90,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,680/year (purchasing power: $150,944).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Huntsville grew 50.0% from $41.45/hr (2019) to $62.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.43/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
Consider the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Huntsville who typically work 24 hours a week. With annual hours totaling around 1,248, their earnings can significantly differ from full-time counterparts. For instance, many controllers experience substantial overtime as understaffing challenges compel them to work upwards of 50-60 hours weekly, leading to the potential for total compensation of $50,000 to $100,000 or more through overtime pay. Moreover, the per diem air traffic controller pay in Huntsville can vary greatly depending on the type of facility. FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach controls, and airport towers each present varying compensation structures. Additionally, while some may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance and job security. For those negotiating hourly rates, it's essential to approach discussions with an understanding of these dynamics, emphasizing the unique benefits that specific positions may offer, especially in bustling, high-demand facilities in the area.
More salary data for Huntsville, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Huntsville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Huntsville?
Are air traffic controllers in Huntsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Huntsville?
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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 Huntsville. 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 Huntsville 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