Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in El Paso, TX: $74.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in El Paso, TX runs $74.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against El Paso's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $77.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in El Paso, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $74.38, which is higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the unique demands of the job, as controllers work in highly concentrated environments like en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and control towers. The hourly range for this profession in El Paso varies significantly, from $43.14 for entry-level positions to $113.08 for experienced controllers at the top of their field. This salary structure makes the profession appealing to those considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities; even working just three days a week can yield substantial earnings. Controllers often benefit from the flexible working hours typical in aviation operations, allowing them to balance work and personal commitments while still earning a solid wage.
About the El Paso 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) | $43.14 | $345.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.56 | $428.50 |
| Median (P50) | $74.38 | $595.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.22 | $761.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.08 | $904.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Paso
Based on $74.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.38/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Paso, TX can expect to earn approximately $154,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,261. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in El Paso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Paso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,975.35 | $12,893 | $154,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,785.21 | $7,736 | $92,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,190.14 | $5,157 | $61,887 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (El Paso) | $74.38 |
| 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 El Paso, TX earn a median of $154,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.87% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.10% above the Texas state average of $145,827.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.38/hr = $92,831/year (purchasing power: $96,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,718/year (purchasing power: $161,165).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$60.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in El Paso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in El Paso grew 20.4% from $60.23/hr (2019) to $72.52/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.30/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 El Paso 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 El Paso
Examining the earning potential reveals that part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours per week can take home a significant annual salary, albeit lower than full-time salaries. With overtime opportunities often available, many controllers work between 50 to 60 hours a week, potentially driving their effective hourly compensation well above the base salary. For those working as per diem air traffic controllers in El Paso, pay varies depending on training sessions and agency contracts, making it essential to negotiate terms skillfully. Different employer types, ranging from FAA en route centers to contract towers, also influence pay scales. While some might accept lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, the trade-off often involves negotiating hours and expected workload to maximize earnings. Top-tier facilities may reward controllers with advanced payments or bonuses, but negotiations related to base hours and supplemental pay are vital for prospective controllers in this robust job market.
More salary data for El Paso, 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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