Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Inkster, MI: $65.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Inkster, MI runs $65.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Inkster's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Inkster, Michigan, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller is $65.44, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national median of $73.02. This rate is indicative of the competitive yet challenging job market for air traffic controllers in the region. Controllers typically work in environments such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, which highlights the importance of their roles in managing the flow of air traffic. An entry-level controller can expect to earn around $37.96 per hour, while more experienced professionals may reach up to $89.98 per hour. These hourly estimates are based on comprehensive analysis of annual salary data, emphasizing the variations in workforce compensation as controllers ascend through their careers.
About the Inkster Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.96 | $303.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.17 | $377.38 |
| Median (P50) | $65.44 | $523.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.33 | $658.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.98 | $719.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inkster
Based on $65.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.44/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inkster, MI can expect to earn approximately $136,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,528. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inkster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inkster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,617.59 | $11,343 | $136,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,570.55 | $6,806 | $81,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,047.03 | $4,537 | $54,446 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Inkster) | $65.44 |
| 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 Inkster, MI earn a median of $136,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.38% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Michigan state average of $141,502.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.44/hr = $81,669/year (purchasing power: $87,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,114/year (purchasing power: $146,046).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Inkster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Inkster grew 20.4% from $52.99/hr (2019) to $63.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.12/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 Inkster 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 Inkster
For those considering part-time work as air traffic controllers in Inkster, the earning potential with a schedule of three days a week can lead to significant annual income, though less than that of full-time counterparts. Controllers often find themselves in high-pressure scenarios needing to cover shifts — overtime pay can elevate an air traffic controller's effective hourly compensation substantially, with many taking on additional hours amidst staffing shortages. Working in various FAA facilities, such as ARTCCs and TRACONs, can yield differing hourly rates, with government positions typically providing health benefits that may entice some to accept slightly lower pay. Negotiating a higher hourly rate vs. benefits can be a crucial factor for controllers considering their options in the competitive job market of air traffic management in MI. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Inkster can vary based on the specific agreements made regarding training and operational shifts, making adaptability and proactive negotiation essential for career success.
More salary data for Inkster, MI:
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 Inkster. 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 Inkster 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