Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in North Miami Beach, FL: $70.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in North Miami Beach, FL runs $70.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,835 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against North Miami Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,107 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In North Miami Beach, Florida, the average hourly compensation for an air traffic controller is projected at $70.60 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. For part-time controllers, working three days a week, this equates to approximately $5,652 monthly before taxes, allowing for a reasonable standard of living in the area. While the hourly pay can start around $40.95 for entry-level positions, more experienced controllers can earn as much as $101.20 per hour. This setup creates various working environments, including en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers, each presenting unique challenges. For those seeking per diem opportunities, the flexibility to negotiate rates comes into play, particularly for agency-based positions that may allow controllers to adjust their schedules and earnings based on demand and availability.
About the North Miami Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.95 | $327.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.82 | $406.59 |
| Median (P50) | $70.60 | $564.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.36 | $722.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.20 | $809.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Miami Beach
Based on $70.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Miami Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $146,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,719. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Miami Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Miami Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,823.96 | $12,237 | $146,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,694.37 | $7,342 | $88,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,129.58 | $4,895 | $58,738 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (North Miami Beach) | $70.60 |
| 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 North Miami Beach, FL earn a median of $146,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Florida state average of $154,563.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.60/hr = $88,107/year (purchasing power: $87,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,846/year (purchasing power: $145,680).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Miami Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Miami Beach grew 20.4% from $57.17/hr (2019) to $68.83/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.41/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 North Miami Beach 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 North Miami Beach
Given the nature of air traffic control, the earning potential can significantly increase through overtime, especially for those working 50-60 hours a week. Controllers often take home substantial amounts beyond their base hourly pay during busy periods, sometimes exceeding six figures annually when overtime is factored in. This is particularly true in North Miami Beach, where staffing shortages post-2013 sequester continue to affect operations, pushing existing personnel into longer shifts. The type of employer also influences hourly rates; while FAA facilities may offer competitive wages, private contractors may provide different benefits such as healthcare, which prompts some controllers to accept lower hourly rates for better job security. For those negotiating hourly positions, understanding the local compensation trends as well as the expectations of various employers is crucial for maximizing overall earnings while balancing the demands of the job.
More salary data for North Miami Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Miami Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in North Miami Beach?
Are air traffic controllers in North Miami Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in North Miami Beach?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in North Miami Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 North Miami Beach. 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 North Miami Beach 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