Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Novi, MI: $66.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Novi, MI runs $66.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Novi's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,013 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Novi, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $66.52, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the responsibilities involved in various settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, often requiring intense concentration in sometimes dimly lit environments. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this hourly wage can lead to a stable income, with the potential for additional compensation decisions for per-diem workers in training or transitional roles. Entry-level positions may start at around $38.58, while top earners can reach as high as $96.93 per hour, illustrating a range that accommodates diverse experience levels and expertise within the field in Michigan.
About the Novi 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) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.89 | $383.12 |
| Median (P50) | $66.52 | $532.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.14 | $681.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.93 | $775.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novi
Based on $66.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novi, MI can expect to earn approximately $138,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,820. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Novi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,660.67 | $11,530 | $138,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.40 | $6,918 | $83,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.27 | $4,612 | $55,342 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Novi) | $66.52 |
| 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 Novi, MI earn a median of $138,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.91% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Michigan state average of $141,611.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.52/hr = $83,013/year (purchasing power: $89,069).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,355/year (purchasing power: $148,449).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Novi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Novi grew 20.4% from $53.86/hr (2019) to $64.85/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.23/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 Novi 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 Novi
Calculating potential earnings for part-time work, a controller working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours can see significant income compared to a full-time schedule. While full-time controllers often capitalize on overtime—including substantial extra pay that can effectively increase their earnings significantly, some may choose agency roles or per-diem positions that offer flexibility. However, this comes with trade-offs, such as potentially less predictable income and benefits. In Novi, different employer types further influence rates; FAA facilities generally provide stable pay, but many controllers at contract towers might take home less hourly due to the absence of health benefits offered by federal positions. For those in negotiations, understanding local pay scales and the nuances of compensation packages can be vital, ensuring they find positions that balance hourly rate considerations with vital benefits for long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Novi, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Novi in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Novi?
Are air traffic controllers in Novi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Novi?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Novi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Novi. 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 Novi 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