Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $93,246 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Jacksonville, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,246 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 99.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,730 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($174,492) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jacksonville, Florida, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected at $93,246 for new graduates entering the field in 2026. This entry-level wage represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $174,492, indicating that fresh hires can expect to earn less as they begin their careers. However, there is a promising growth trajectory, with earnings projected to rise to $138,162 as controllers gain experience and competence within their first few years. For new graduates looking for an exciting career in air traffic control, Jacksonville maintains a favorable market, as the strong estimated median salary not only supports a decent standard of living but also encourages entry-level professionals to consider long-term growth in this critical aviation sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Jacksonville, FL typically start between $93,246 and $138,162 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,750 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $174,492 — 14.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Florida of $30,000 represents just 32.17% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,246/year) in Jacksonville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,246 to $138,162, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Jacksonville is $107,750 ( 115.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,246, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,996.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,950
2025 BLS Actual
$90,910
2026 Current Est.
$93,246
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,246 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,643 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, FL grew 24.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,950 in 2019 to $90,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,643. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Jacksonville
In terms of employment opportunities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a primary recruiter in the Jacksonville area. New applicants can enter through periodic public bidding processes or through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which strengthens their prospects if they graduate from selected universities. Additionally, military veterans have a unique opportunity via the Veterans Recruitment Authority, allowing them to transition into civilian roles with accessible training. While the FAA requires U.S. citizenship, a relevant degree or extensive work experience, and a passing score on the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), ongoing certifications are available to enhance starting pay in Florida. In the first few years, controllers can experience realistic salary growth as they aim for positions in en route or terminal facilities, where top earners may command pay between $200,000 and $300,000—making the initial journey not just a job but a pathway to a rewarding career in air traffic management.
More salary data for Jacksonville, FL:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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