Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $59.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Benton, AR runs $59.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,092 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the estimated air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 is projected at $59.18, notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference can affect part-time and per-diem workers who typically navigate their shifts between various facilities, such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For individuals working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a functional income that can meet modest living expenses in a city with a cost of living index of 86.9, below the national average. The hourly compensation ranges between $34.32 at the entry level and $82.61 for top earners in the field. These figures are drawn from annual salary data estimates, reflecting the unique dynamics of air traffic control work, which requires operational presence in diverse settings—from radar consoles in dark control rooms to cabs with expansive views of the airport.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.32 | $274.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.61 | $340.86 |
| Median (P50) | $59.18 | $473.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.67 | $597.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.61 | $660.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $59.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $123,100 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,019. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,367.32 | $10,258 | $123,100 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,420.39 | $6,155 | $73,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $946.93 | $4,103 | $49,240 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Benton) | $59.18 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $123,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $125,604.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.18/hr = $73,860/year (purchasing power: $84,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,100/year (purchasing power: $141,658).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Benton grew 20.4% from $47.92/hr (2019) to $57.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.70/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 Benton 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 Benton
A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours per week in Benton can expect a substantial annual income, but it will be considerably less than what full-time colleagues earn. Full-time controllers frequently benefit from overtime, with many working 50-60 hours per week in high-demand environments, effectively doubling their base hourly pay through overtime rates of 1.5 times the regular rate. This often results in significant annual earnings, with some earning from $50,000 to over $100,000 in additional compensation. While facilities like FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers provide steady and structured employment, hourly rates can vary by employer type. Some controllers opt for lower hourly pay within FAA facilities for comprehensive health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits from contractors at smaller airports. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Benton include emphasizing unique skills, understanding the impact of overtime, and recognizing the market demand due to chronic staffing shortages that have existed since the 2013 sequester.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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 Benton. 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 Benton 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