Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $67.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $67.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,574 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $67.77, which is slightly below the national average of $73.02 for this profession. This wage can yield substantial earnings for part-time or per-diem controllers, providing flexibility in a demanding job environment that includes en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those working just three days a week, this hourly rate offers a viable income, while entry-level positions may start at $39.68 and top earners can achieve up to $97.04 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates that reflect the exceptional responsibilities handled by air traffic controllers across various settings within the FAA's jurisdiction in Copperas Cove.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.68 | $317.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.79 | $390.34 |
| Median (P50) | $67.77 | $542.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.75 | $694.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.04 | $776.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $67.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $140,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,322. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,710.72 | $11,746 | $140,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.43 | $7,048 | $84,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.29 | $4,699 | $56,383 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Copperas Cove) | $67.77 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $140,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $145,777.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.77/hr = $84,574/year (purchasing power: $88,098).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,957/year (purchasing power: $146,831).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Copperas Cove grew 20.4% from $54.88/hr (2019) to $66.07/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.51/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
Considering a part-time schedule can be beneficial for air traffic controllers aiming to balance work and life while still securing a steady income. Working 24 hours a week at the current hourly rate would yield around $85,000 annually, demonstrating that even part-time roles can be lucrative compared to other professions. Moreover, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Copperas Cove often includes additional earnings from overtime, which significantly raises overall compensation, especially for those frequently working 50-60 hours a week. Controllers at different types of facilities, such as FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and contract towers, can experience varied hourly rates based on location and operational demands. Some may accept lower hourly wages at FAA facilities that provide extensive health benefits, while others may prefer higher pay at contract positions without benefits. Negotiating strategies for these hourly roles should focus on understanding the specific needs of the employer, highlighting the unique demands of air traffic control, and considering long-term career growth within the structured pay scale of the FAA system in Copperas Cove, TX.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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