Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Angelo, TX: $70.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Angelo, TX runs $70.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Angelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,583 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in San Angelo, Texas, command a median hourly rate of $70.18, which is approximately 3.90% lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the various working environments in which these professionals operate, from en route centers with radar consoles to control towers with expansive views. Controllers working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, may find their earnings to be substantial, particularly given the median hourly pay. Entry-level positions in this field start at around $40.70, whereas top earners can reach up to $104.87 per hour, illustrating a broad range of potential income based on experience and location. These hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data and provide a realistic perspective for those pursuing a career in air traffic control in San Angelo.
About the San Angelo 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) | $40.70 | $325.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.53 | $404.21 |
| Median (P50) | $70.18 | $561.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.83 | $718.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.87 | $838.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Angelo
Based on $70.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Angelo, TX can expect to earn approximately $145,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,214. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Angelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Angelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,807.14 | $12,164 | $145,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,684.28 | $7,299 | $87,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,122.85 | $4,866 | $58,388 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Angelo) | $70.18 |
| 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 San Angelo, TX earn a median of $145,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Texas state average of $145,821.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.18/hr = $87,583/year (purchasing power: $91,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,971/year (purchasing power: $152,053).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Angelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Angelo grew 20.4% from $56.83/hr (2019) to $68.42/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.98/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 San Angelo 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 San Angelo
Exploring the financial dynamics for a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours per week in San Angelo reveals a potential annual income of around $87,508. In contrast, a full-time position, with many controllers often clocking in additional overtime hours, can significantly increase earning capacity. Controllers frequently see overtime pay, which is calculated at 1.5 times the base rate, lifting total compensation substantially. Many skilled controllers at understaffed facilities might log 50-60 hours weekly, leading to total earnings exceeding $150,000 with overtime. Hourly compensation can also vary based on the type of employer; FAA en route centers, FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON), and airport traffic control towers all have distinct tiers in pay. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates with the stability of benefits, while others choose contract positions to maximize their hourly pay. Negotiating on the hourly rate requires understanding these trade-offs and the specific context of the job environment in San Angelo.
More salary data for San Angelo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Angelo in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in San Angelo?
Are air traffic controllers in San Angelo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in San Angelo?
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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 San Angelo. 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 San Angelo 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