Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hillsboro, OR: $81.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hillsboro, OR runs $81.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hillsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,715 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $81.50, which is significantly higher than the national average of $73.02. This elevated pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this field. For those considering part-time work—such as a 3-day workweek—this means they could take home substantial earnings, even while managing a flexible schedule. Per-diem roles are also common, with controllers working in various demanding settings, including en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and airport traffic control towers. Entry-level positions offer an hourly rate starting at $47.27, while experienced professionals can earn up to $118.52 per hour, providing a wide range of financial prospects.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.27 | $378.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.68 | $469.44 |
| Median (P50) | $81.50 | $652.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.32 | $834.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.52 | $948.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hillsboro
Based on $81.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hillsboro, OR can expect to earn approximately $169,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,803. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hillsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hillsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,260.08 | $14,127 | $169,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,956.05 | $8,476 | $101,715 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,304.03 | $5,651 | $67,810 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hillsboro) | $81.50 |
| 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 Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $169,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% above the Oregon state average of $164,110.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.50/hr = $101,715/year (purchasing power: $99,137).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,524/year (purchasing power: $165,228).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hillsboro grew 20.4% from $66.00/hr (2019) to $79.46/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.60/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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Considering the earning potential, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $101,592 annually, which can still provide a stable income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. The realities of per-diem work often mean controllers can capitalize on overtime opportunities, sometimes making an hourly effective rate that eclipses their base pay significantly. Many experienced controllers may find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly due to chronic understaffing, which can lead to substantial annual earnings through overtime, sometimes reaching $100,000 or more. The type of facility one works in, such as FAA en route centers or local airport control towers, influences hourly pay structures as well. When negotiating, it's essential to consider benefits versus higher pay rates without benefits. Those in Hillsboro should also remember that FAA pay, distinct from GS scales, and the job's demands can shift the conversation around compensation, especially given the average retirement age of 56 and the current workforce needs.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
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 Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro 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