Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $68.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Austin, MN runs $68.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,907 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Austin, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $68.03, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This hourly rate allows for significant earning potential, particularly for controllers working part-time schedules or on a per-diem basis. Those who work three days a week might see a consistent income stream while enjoying more personal time, a desirable arrangement for many in this demanding field. The industry's hourly range in Austin extends from $39.46 at the 10th percentile to $94.56 at the 90th percentile, painting a picture of varied opportunities depending on experience and facility type. While most hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, they accurately reflect the compensation structure for en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers in the area.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.46 | $315.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.98 | $391.82 |
| Median (P50) | $68.03 | $544.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.59 | $684.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.56 | $756.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $68.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.03/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $141,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,642. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,721.39 | $11,793 | $141,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,632.83 | $7,076 | $84,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,088.55 | $4,717 | $56,605 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Austin) | $68.03 |
| 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 Austin, MN earn a median of $141,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $149,580.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.03/hr = $84,907/year (purchasing power: $86,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,512/year (purchasing power: $143,667).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Austin grew 20.4% from $55.09/hr (2019) to $66.33/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.78/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 Austin 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 Austin
Contemplating the earning potential reveals intriguing insights into the air traffic controller role in Austin, MN. For controllers opting for part-time work at 24 hours a week, their overall annual income can significantly differ from full-time counterparts, leading to a unique financial landscape. Moreover, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Austin often presents attractive opportunities, especially when factoring in overtime, which can push earnings substantially above the base rate. Many controllers in high-demand facilities may clock in 50 to 60 hours a week, translating into annual incomes rich in overtime — sometimes exceeding an extra $100,000. Various employer types, including FAA and military facilities, offer differing hourly rates, with FAA en route centers generally providing higher compensation than smaller contract towers. Controllers often find themselves weighing higher pay against benefits, particularly in health care, which can influence their job satisfaction and choice of employer. Negotiation is key in this field, and understanding the pay scale nuances can lead to better financial outcomes tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Austin. 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 Austin 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