Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $59.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Paducah, KY runs $59.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,839 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Paducah, KY, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $59.06 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. For professionals seeking flexible work arrangements, this hourly rate is relevant for those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, where they can earn a respectable income while still having time for other pursuits. Per-diem work is also an option, providing the opportunity for varied scheduling and potential extra income. The hourly range for this profession in the Paducah area spans from $34.25 at entry-level positions to $84.72 for experienced controllers or those in peak earning years. These hourly figures are based on projected annual salaries, reflecting the nuanced compensation landscape that controllers face across various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers.
About the Paducah Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.25 | $273.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.53 | $340.20 |
| Median (P50) | $59.06 | $472.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.59 | $604.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.72 | $677.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $59.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $122,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,872. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,362.39 | $10,237 | $122,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,417.44 | $6,142 | $73,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $944.96 | $4,095 | $49,138 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Paducah) | $59.06 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $122,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $129,304.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.06/hr = $73,707/year (purchasing power: $82,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,844/year (purchasing power: $137,564).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Paducah grew 20.4% from $47.82/hr (2019) to $57.58/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.58/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
For controllers working part-time, the yearly earnings can fluctuate significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour weekly schedule means that an air traffic controller might take home approximately $46,180 annually, considerably less than a full-time role meant for 40 hours per week. Many of Paducah’s controllers balance per-diem shifts with regular hours. The reality of the job often includes the potential for overtime, which can sharply increase their effective earnings—controllers frequently work 50-60 hours a week, with overtime rates reaching 1.5 times the base salary. Controllers at FAA facilities like ARTCCs and TRACONs may also experience salary variations, as positions at major control towers often offer higher compensation due to demand. While some controllers might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might forego those extras for the opportunity to maximize take-home earnings. This decision-making process is vital, especially in a landscape where negotiation can significantly impact pay rates, making it crucial for controllers to understand their worth within the Paducah job market.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
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 Paducah. 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 Paducah 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