Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $61.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Burlington, IA runs $61.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,523 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Burlington, Iowa, the anticipated hourly pay in 2026 is $61.32, reflecting a significant disparity compared to the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate translates into varying earning potentials, particularly favorable for part-time workers who may opt for schedules of three days a week, or for those seeking per-diem opportunities in these bustling control facilities. Air traffic controllers typically operate in high-stakes environments, including en route centers and terminal radar facilities, where comfort and focus are key in managing air traffic. With entry-level air traffic controller hourly rates starting at about $35.56 and reaching as high as $84.28 for more experienced professionals, Burlington presents a dynamic range for potential earnings within the sector. The differences in pay largely depend on the controller's experience, the facility's operational demands, and the nature of the shifts they fulfill.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.56 | $284.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.15 | $353.17 |
| Median (P50) | $61.32 | $490.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.99 | $615.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.28 | $674.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $61.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.32/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $127,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,580. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,452.65 | $10,628 | $127,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,471.59 | $6,377 | $76,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $981.06 | $4,251 | $51,015 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Burlington) | $61.32 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $127,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $132,855.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.32/hr = $76,523/year (purchasing power: $84,649).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,538/year (purchasing power: $141,082).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Burlington grew 20.4% from $49.65/hr (2019) to $59.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.89/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time air traffic controllers in Burlington reveals intriguing contrasts with full-time counterparts. A controller working part-time for three days a week could reasonably expect to take home around $48,000 annually, a stark difference from the higher income possibilities enjoyed by those working extensive overtime. Many controllers, especially those positioned in busy ARTCCs or military installations, frequently clock in 50-60 hour work weeks. This serves to elevate their take-home pay significantly, with overtime wages often pushing annual earnings well beyond $100,000 when including per diem rates during training or transfer periods. Controllers also face a choice between uncompensated higher hourly rates and lower pay that includes health benefits. Negotiating effectively within Burlington's air traffic control environment requires a keen understanding of these dynamics, especially as operational demand fluctuates. Such insights are critical for navigating a career path that is subject to regulatory shifts and mandatory retirement at age 56, especially given the recruitment landscape’s reliance on FAA-certified college graduates and experienced personnel from military backgrounds.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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