Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Nogales, AZ: $67.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Nogales, AZ runs $67.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,929 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Nogales's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nogales, Arizona, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly wage of $67.76, which trails the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects the responsibilities faced on the job, which often involves long hours at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For those seeking part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek totaling about 24 hours, the financial returns are still quite favorable although they would earn significantly less than full-time controllers. The hourly range in Nogales varies widely, starting at approximately $39.29 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $90.46 for those at the top of the pay scale, showing that even in a smaller city, the earning potential remains dynamic.
About the Nogales Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.29 | $314.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.26 | $410.12 |
| Median (P50) | $67.76 | $542.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.57 | $668.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.46 | $723.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nogales
Based on $67.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nogales, AZ can expect to earn approximately $140,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,309. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nogales.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nogales
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,710.31 | $11,745 | $140,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.19 | $7,047 | $84,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.12 | $4,698 | $56,374 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Nogales) | $67.76 |
| 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 Nogales, AZ earn a median of $140,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $149,606.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.76/hr = $84,562/year (purchasing power: $85,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,936/year (purchasing power: $143,082).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Nogales grew 20.4% from $54.87/hr (2019) to $66.06/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.50/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 Nogales 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 Nogales
When considering the earnings of air traffic controllers in Nogales, part-time employees typically take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, yet the flexibility can be appealing. For instance, full-time controllers often find themselves working 50-60 hours a week due to ongoing staffing shortages, leading to substantial overtime pay—often pushing annual compensation to between $50,000 and $100,000 above their base rates. In addition to standard roles, there's a viable market for per diem air traffic controller pay in Nogales, particularly during facility transfer training where rates can be negotiated. Hourly rates can also differ depending on their work environment; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers all have different pay scales, with federal positions generally offering benefits that might slightly lower the hourly wage but enhance overall compensation. Negotiating these rates can be crucial, especially for those who prioritize benefits versus higher pay without them, highlighting the importance of choosing the right employer type in Nogales.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Nogales in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Nogales?
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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 Nogales. 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 Nogales 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