Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Alexandria, LA: $71,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Alexandria, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,932 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,659 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,021) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Louisiana, aspiring air traffic controllers can expect a starting salary around $71,932 in 2026. While this entry-level figure falls below the city's median annual salary of $124,021, it offers a solid foundation for recent graduates to build upon as they gain experience. Over the initial three to five years, earnings should progress toward the $89,295 mark, providing a clear upward trajectory that new controllers can anticipate. Given the area's relatively stable economy and demand for air traffic controllers, Alexandria represents a viable market for newcomers entering this critical profession.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Alexandria, LA typically start between $71,932 and $89,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,625 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,021 — 18.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Louisiana of $32,000 represents just 44.49% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($71,932/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $71,932 to $89,295, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria's below-average 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 Alexandria is $102,625 ( 142.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,932, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,557.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,107
2025 BLS Actual
$70,130
2026 Current Est.
$71,932
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,781 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, LA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,107 in 2019 to $70,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,781. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
New graduates seeking positions as air traffic controllers in Alexandria should be aware of the primary employers in the region and the qualifications necessary for employment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hires both through its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and off-the-street pathways, which recruit individuals under 31 years of age unless they are military veterans. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree or demonstrating three years of relevant experience is essential, alongside passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Successful candidates participate in Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, where training is compensated. Though starting pay may seem lower compared to facilities in larger cities, realistic salary growth during the first three years is achievable, especially given the chronic understaffing in the FAA and the potential for overtime, enabling new air traffic controllers in LA to increase their earning potential considerably.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Alexandria in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Alexandria?
Is aviation school worth it in Alexandria?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Alexandria?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Louisiana?
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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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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