Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sedalia, MO: $62.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sedalia, MO runs $62.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,662 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sedalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,392 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sedalia, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $62.81, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national median of $73.02. This pay level indicates a stable earning potential for those working part-time, such as controllers who may operate three days a week in various settings, including en route centers and airport traffic towers. The hourly range in Sedalia extends from $36.43 for entry-level positions to an impressive $84.18 for highly experienced controllers, which allows for strong advancement opportunities in this field. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary data, the hourly estimates provide insight into the daily financial realities for controllers engaged in overseeing safe flight operations.
About the Sedalia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.43 | $291.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.23 | $361.87 |
| Median (P50) | $62.81 | $502.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.53 | $620.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.18 | $673.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sedalia
Based on $62.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.81/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sedalia, MO can expect to earn approximately $130,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,377. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sedalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sedalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,512.55 | $10,888 | $130,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,507.53 | $6,533 | $78,392 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,005.02 | $4,355 | $52,261 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sedalia) | $62.81 |
| 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 Sedalia, MO earn a median of $130,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.97% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Missouri state average of $136,106.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.81/hr = $78,392/year (purchasing power: $87,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,653/year (purchasing power: $145,818).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sedalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sedalia grew 20.4% from $50.86/hr (2019) to $61.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.43/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 Sedalia 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 Sedalia
While the hourly pay offers a solid base, the earning potential for air traffic controllers can dramatically increase via part-time work and overtime opportunities. For those working 24 hours a week, a part-time controller could earn substantially less than full-time peers; however, many air traffic controllers take on extra shifts, resulting in additional pay that can significantly boost annual earnings. This is especially true in contexts where understaffing leads to controllers often logging 50-60 hour weeks, pushing their effective compensation well beyond base rates. Different employment types in Sedalia, such as FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities, can yield varying hourly pay levels. Additionally, controllers may face decisions regarding the trade-offs between opting for higher hourly rates with fewer benefits against lower rates that include comprehensive health insurance packages. Understanding how to negotiate these aspects effectively is crucial for maximizing compensation within the Sedalia market.
More salary data for Sedalia, MO:
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 Sedalia. 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 Sedalia 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