Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $58.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Natchitoches, LA runs $58.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,249 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,747 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $58.29 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $73.02. For those considering flexible work schedules, such as part-time positions typically involving just three days a week, this hourly compensation translates to about $4,654 for 24 hours of work, providing a solid income opportunity while allowing for a better work-life balance. The hourly range for controllers in the city varies from $34.71 for entry-level positions up to $80.60 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of roles within the profession, including responsibilities at en route center radar consoles, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport control towers. These settings demand high levels of concentration in environments that range from dimly lit rooms to panoramic control cabs, highlighting the important work air traffic controllers perform in maintaining safety.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.71 | $277.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.53 | $348.25 |
| Median (P50) | $58.29 | $466.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.34 | $570.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.60 | $644.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $58.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.29/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $121,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,949. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,331.62 | $10,104 | $121,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,398.97 | $6,062 | $72,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $932.65 | $4,041 | $48,498 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Natchitoches) | $58.29 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $121,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $129,817.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.29/hr = $72,747/year (purchasing power: $80,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,244/year (purchasing power: $134,268).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Natchitoches grew 20.4% from $47.20/hr (2019) to $56.83/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.79/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
Those Working part-time as air traffic controllers, on the other hand, might find themselves making $94,335 annually, which is quite competitive compared to many full-time positions. Moreover, while base hourly rates provide a guideline for earnings, many controllers face opportunities for overtime compensation that can significantly inflate their effective hourly pay—some controllers even work 50-60 hours a week, potentially leading to upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 in annual overtime. This additional pay is especially relevant in Natchitoches, where the FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities might be experiencing staffing shortages post-2013 sequester. Pay rates vary widely depending on the type of employer—from FAA-operated centers to contract towers—and choosing positions that come with health insurance versus higher hourly pay without benefits can be a tough decision. For those negotiating hourly contracts or flexible schedules, understanding the local market dynamics and the expectations of FAA and NATCA can provide a strategic advantage in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Natchitoches?
Are air traffic controllers in Natchitoches paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Natchitoches?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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