Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Dickinson, ND: $63.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Dickinson, ND runs $63.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,888 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Dickinson's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,736 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, North Dakota, the hourly compensation for an air traffic controller averages $63.89, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This lower rate can impact those considering part-time roles, typically working three days a week, where the income may not fully match the demands and responsibilities of managing air traffic in various facilities. The hourly pay for air traffic controllers in Dickinson spans from $37.06 for entry-level positions to $92.72 for top earners. Most of these professionals operate from en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers, environments that require adaptability to varied workload and schedule demands, further evident when considering shifts that might extend beyond the standard hours to accommodate airspace management needs.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.06 | $296.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.00 | $368.02 |
| Median (P50) | $63.89 | $511.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.14 | $633.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.72 | $741.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dickinson
Based on $63.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.89/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dickinson, ND can expect to earn approximately $132,893 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,669. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dickinson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dickinson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,555.63 | $11,074 | $132,893 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,533.38 | $6,645 | $79,736 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,022.25 | $4,430 | $53,157 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Dickinson) | $63.89 |
| 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 Dickinson, ND earn a median of $132,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the North Dakota state average of $135,877.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.89/hr = $79,736/year (purchasing power: $86,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,893/year (purchasing power: $144,449).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Dickinson grew 20.4% from $51.74/hr (2019) to $62.29/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.53/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 Dickinson 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 Dickinson
For those working part-time, earning potential significantly differs from full-time colleagues, particularly when evaluating how much a part-time controller might gather over a year based on a standard 24-hour workweek. Moreover, per-diem and agency roles introduce another layer of complexity, often presenting opportunities for overtime pay that substantially boosts overall earnings. Controllers in understaffed facilities may regularly clock 50-60 hours weekly, leading to the possibility of earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime alone. The hourly pay can vary by employer type in Dickinson, with different pay structures among FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers, alongside military and civilian DOD positions. Some choose roles with lower hourly rates to secure benefits they might otherwise lose if opting for positions with higher hourly pay but no associated benefits. Understanding negotiation strategies specific to the local market can be invaluable for those seeking to make informed decisions about their career in air traffic control in ND.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
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 Dickinson. 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 Dickinson 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