Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madison, AL: $123,506 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Madison, AL earns a median $123,506/year (≈ $59.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Madison's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $140,507 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Madison, Alabama, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $123,506, which reflects a competitive yet challenging job market. The salary range for this position spans from $71,633 at the lower end (P10) up to $179,384 (P90) for those at the upper tier, showcasing the potential for significant pay based on experience and certification level. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, illustrating a cost of living index for Madison at 87.9, indicating affordability relative to the national average. For individuals pursuing an air traffic controller salary in Madison, understanding the nuances of certification timelines—often requiring 1-3 years to attain full competency—is crucial to maximizing earning potential in this field.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,633 | $34.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,924 | $42.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,506 | $59.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,087 | $76.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,384 | $86.24 |
Median Salary Position
18.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
In Madison, AL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,751 (2026 est.). At $123,506, the local median is 18.69% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madison Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Madison median: $123,506/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $126,672 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.69% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Madison, AL earn a median of $123,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.69% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $126,672.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madison has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madison, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $123,506 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,507 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,009
2025 BLS Actual
$120,411
2026 Current Est.
$123,506
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,539 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,506 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,680 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madison metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,009 (2019) to $120,411 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,671 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,633 – $88,924 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,924 – $123,506 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,506 – $158,087 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,087 – $179,384 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Madison
The local job market currently employs only nine air traffic controllers, which can create a tight-knit professional environment in Madison, AL. Given the relatively low cost of living, controllers can enjoy a more substantial take-home pay, even if their salaries are slightly below the national median for this occupation. Various employers, including FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, play unique roles in compensation structure. Controllers working at higher facility levels often earn more—en route facilities typically surpass terminal and tower operations in pay tiers. Opportunities for premium pay through shift differentials and abundant overtime, driven by staffing shortages, can enhance overall earnings. To optimize pay in Madison's market, pursuing CPC certification and aiming for positions in higher-paying facilities or embracing overtime shifts can significantly boost compensation, making it essential for newcomers and current controllers alike to navigate their career trajectories strategically.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Madison?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,411 for air traffic controllersin the Madison metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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