Air Traffic Controller Salary in Apopka, FL: $151,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Apopka, FL earns a median $151,969/year (≈ $73.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Apopka's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $150,763 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Apopka, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $151,969 in 2026, reflecting the competitive pay landscape for this occupation. The salary range for these controllers spans from $88,141 at the 10th percentile to $228,773 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential based on experience and facility tiers. Notably, Apopka's air traffic controller pay aligns closely with the national median of $151,886, showing a modest increase relative to the broader market. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, underscore the value of the city's air traffic controller positions, particularly in a region where both en route centers and terminal facilities offer varying scales of compensation.
About the Apopka Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,141 | $42.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,840 | $52.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,969 | $73.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,628 | $92.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,773 | $109.99 |
Median Salary Position
0.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apopka
In Apopka, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,632 (2026 est.). At $151,969, the local median is 0.05% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apopka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apopka Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Apopka median: $151,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apopka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,597 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.05% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Apopka, FL earn a median of $151,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.05% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Florida state average of $154,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apopka has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apopka, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,969 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,763 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,057
2025 BLS Actual
$148,161
2026 Current Est.
$151,969
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apopka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,057 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,787 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,874 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apopka metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,057 (2019) to $148,161 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,874 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,817 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apopka 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) | $88,141 – $109,840 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,840 – $151,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,969 – $191,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,628 – $228,773 |
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 Apopka
In Apopka, the local job market reflects a unique stability with only eight air traffic controllers employed, which can influence salary dynamics. The cost-of-living index sitting slightly above the national average at 100.8 may impact take-home pay and purchasing power. For those seeking higher salaries in Apopka, targeting FAA en route centers may be advantageous, as they usually offer more lucrative compensation compared to terminal and tower facilities. Variability in pay within the industry is driven by factors such as facility level, CPC (certified professional controller) certification status, shift differentials, and the abundance of mandatory overtime, contributing to the potential for increased earnings. Strategies to maximize pay include seeking positions at higher-tier facilities and pursuing additional certifications, while staying informed about localized recruitment offers that may arise amid ongoing staffing challenges faced by the FAA.
More salary data for Apopka, 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
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 $148,161 for air traffic controllersin the Apopka 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 Apopka 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