Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in McMinnville, OR: $78.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in McMinnville, OR runs $78.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against McMinnville's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McMinnville, Oregon, air traffic controllers command a median hourly pay of $78.22, surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02 by a notable margin. This competitive rate translates well for part-time employees working three days a week, emphasizing an attractive income potential even with a lighter schedule. Controllers typically manage traffic from en route center radar consoles in dim, windowless control rooms or from TRACON facilities adjacent to major airports. Depending on experience, hourly wages range from $45.37 for entry-level controllers to $108.26 for top earners, reflecting a robust pay structure that rewards dedication and expertise in demanding environments. Hourly rates presented here are estimated based on annual salary figures, highlighting the financial merits of a career in air traffic control within this Oregon city.
About the McMinnville 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) | $45.37 | $362.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.32 | $450.57 |
| Median (P50) | $78.22 | $625.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.13 | $785.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.26 | $866.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McMinnville
Based on $78.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.22/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McMinnville, OR can expect to earn approximately $162,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,864. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McMinnville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McMinnville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,128.80 | $13,558 | $162,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,877.28 | $8,135 | $97,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,251.52 | $5,423 | $65,079 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (McMinnville) | $78.22 |
| 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 McMinnville, OR earn a median of $162,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.12% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $164,175.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.22/hr = $97,618/year (purchasing power: $95,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,697/year (purchasing power: $158,574).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in McMinnville grew 20.4% from $63.34/hr (2019) to $76.26/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.23/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 McMinnville 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 McMinnville
For those considering part-time positions, the financial implications differ markedly from full-time roles. A controller working 24 hours per week could still achieve a respectable annual income due to McMinnville's advantageous hourly pay structure. Furthermore, the reality of per-diem air traffic controller pay in McMinnville involves significant flexibility, as these positions often include overtime opportunities which can substantially increase annual earnings. Controllers frequently find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks, elevating their effective hourly compensation far beyond the base rate due to time-and-a-half for overtime. Variations in pay also emerge among different employer types, with FAA en route centers, terminal radar control facilities, and contractor-run towers offering distinct wage frameworks. For those entering the profession, negotiating hourly rates becomes vital, especially in a market where health insurance benefits can sway choices between different employers. Understanding these dynamics allows potential controllers to make an informed decision that balances immediate hourly earnings against long-term compensation and benefits.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
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 McMinnville. 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 McMinnville 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