New Orleans vs Ruston: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,748▲ | $124,771 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.30▲ | $59.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,574▲ | $72,367 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,299▲ | $89,915 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,198▲ | $156,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,098▲ | $171,850 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $8,977 (7.19%). New Orleans's median is -11.94% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $125,524,Ruston spans $99,483. New Orleans has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Orleans ($148,115 effective) pays 7.19% more than Ruston ($138,174 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,098)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,115)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in New Orleans grew 29.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$100,700 (2019) → $130,397 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$111,148 (2024) → $121,645 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov