Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $59.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Ottumwa, IA runs $59.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,585 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller stands at $59.42. This figure trails the national median hourly rate of $73.02, reflecting a difference rooted in local economic conditions and the cost of living, which is 90.4 in Ottumwa compared to the national average of 100. For those looking to work part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a solid base for a stable income; controllers may earn around $1,426 per week for 24 hours of work. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Ottumwa varies widely, from $35.20 for entry-level positions at the P10 mark to approximately $81.68 for seasoned professionals. Facilities where these controllers operate include en route centers, terminal radar approach controls, and various airport traffic control towers, with their environments often characterized by a blend of high technology and intense focus.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $35.20 | $281.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.05 | $352.43 |
| Median (P50) | $59.42 | $475.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.61 | $596.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.68 | $653.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $59.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.42/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $123,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,303. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,376.75 | $10,299 | $123,591 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,426.05 | $6,180 | $74,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $950.70 | $4,120 | $49,436 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Ottumwa) | $59.42 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $123,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.63% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $132,887.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.42/hr = $74,155/year (purchasing power: $82,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,591/year (purchasing power: $136,716).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ottumwa grew 20.4% from $48.11/hr (2019) to $57.93/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.95/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
When considering the earning potential of air traffic controllers in Ottumwa, those working part-time versus full-time may see significant differences in take-home pay. A controller who works a standard three-day week could bring home roughly $74,112 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues who often exceed $123,585 due to overtime and varied shifts. Many controllers in under-resourced areas frequently clock 50 to 60 hours a week, leading to substantial overtime pay that can elevate annual earnings to $50,000-$100,000 or more. Hourly rates depend greatly on the employer type; for instance, FAA en route centers and terminal facilities typically offer different compensation structures than FAA contract towers or military installations. Additionally, controllers at FAA facilities often accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay in Ottumwa, it’s beneficial to understand the specific context of each employer type, the potential for overtime, and the value of comprehensive benefits as part of the overall compensation package.
More salary data for Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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