Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Harrisburg, PA: $68.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Harrisburg, PA runs $68.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Harrisburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,739 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller hourly pay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is projected to be $68.70, which is about 5.92% lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly rate allows professionals in this field to consider various work schedules, such as part-time roles that could involve three days a week or shifts at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. The hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Harrisburg range from $39.85 at the lower end (P10) up to $98.52 for the highest earners (P90). For individuals seeking flexible per diem work opportunities as air traffic controllers, this compensation framework provides viable options, even as they navigate the demands of coordinating air traffic from often dimly lit control rooms.
About the Harrisburg Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.85 | $318.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.46 | $395.67 |
| Median (P50) | $68.70 | $549.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.81 | $702.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.52 | $788.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisburg
Based on $68.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.70/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $142,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,442. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harrisburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,748.06 | $11,908 | $142,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,648.83 | $7,145 | $85,739 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.22 | $4,763 | $57,160 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Harrisburg) | $68.70 |
| 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 Harrisburg, PA earn a median of $142,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,918.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.70/hr = $85,739/year (purchasing power: $88,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,899/year (purchasing power: $146,713).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Harrisburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Harrisburg grew 20.4% from $55.63/hr (2019) to $66.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.47/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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg
An air traffic controller working part-time in Harrisburg for three days a week can expect to earn significantly less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts. While full-time positions may require 40 hours a week, those on reduced schedules still contribute to the operational flow, making their potential earnings substantial, albeit lower overall. Furthermore, many air traffic controllers at understaffed facilities often work overtime, escalating their effective hourly compensation well beyond the base figures; some may earn an additional $50k to $100k in yearly overtime. With varying employer types such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers, the compensation package can fluctuate widely, particularly for those in lower-tier positions who may trade lower hourly rates for benefits. It’s often beneficial for controllers to negotiate hours and pay, especially in light of the chronic staffing shortages affecting air traffic control, which places an added premium on experienced professionals willing to work flexible hours.
More salary data for Harrisburg, PA:
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 Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg 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