Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $67.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lincoln, NE runs $67.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,896 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lincoln, NE, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $67.22, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This wage reflects the dynamic nature of the role, often performed in various settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time workers, such as controllers working three days a week, this translates to approximately $24,800 annually when considering a 24-hour workweek, while those in per-diem positions can negotiate rates based on their unique circumstances and the facilities they serve. Entry-level controllers can expect starting hourly rates around $38.99, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $101.44, indicating a healthy potential for growth in earnings.
About the Lincoln Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.99 | $311.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.40 | $387.22 |
| Median (P50) | $67.22 | $537.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.05 | $688.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.44 | $811.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $67.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.22/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $139,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,669. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,688.98 | $11,652 | $139,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,613.39 | $6,991 | $83,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,075.59 | $4,661 | $55,931 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lincoln) | $67.22 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $139,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% above the Nebraska state average of $134,313.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.22/hr = $83,896/year (purchasing power: $91,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,827/year (purchasing power: $152,816).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lincoln grew 20.4% from $54.44/hr (2019) to $65.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.95/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Many air traffic controllers in Lincoln practice part-time, helping maintain work-life balance while still enjoying substantial hourly pay. For those working 24 hours a week, their annual earnings can differ significantly from full-time colleagues due to fewer hours logged. However, per-diem air traffic controllers have the opportunity to earn more by working overtime, as many facilities experience chronic understaffing, prompting controllers to work 50-60 hours per week. These controller positions often lead to effective hourly compensation that can surpass base salaries, particularly with overtime pay being calculated at 1.5 times the regular rate. Variations in pay are influenced by the type of employer and facility, with different levels of hourly compensation available in FAA en route centers, TRACONs, airport towers, and military bases. Negotiating hourly wages can be strategic, especially when considering the benefits offered by certain facilities, as some controllers might opt for lower pay in exchange for healthcare and retirement packages, balancing immediate earnings with long-term security.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
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 Lincoln. 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 Lincoln 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