Air Traffic Controller Salary in Oakland Park, FL: $147,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Oakland Park, FL earns a median $147,543/year (≈ $70.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Oakland Park's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $146,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland Park, Florida, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median of $147,543 in 2026, marking a competitive figure within the industry despite being slightly below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for air traffic controllers in this area spans from $85,575 for the lowest ten percent up to $207,272 for the highest ten percent, reflecting a wide disparity likely influenced by facility tiers and specific roles. Controllers at en route Level 12 facilities typically earn the highest compensation, while those working in terminal and tower facilities may see lower salaries, making the local market particularly diverse in terms of potential earnings. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data, indicate the importance of the facility type and individual experience in determining pay scales within the aviation sector in Oakland Park.
About the Oakland Park Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,575 | $41.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,652 | $51.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,543 | $70.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,855 | $90.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,272 | $99.65 |
Median Salary Position
2.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oakland Park
In Oakland Park, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,697 (2026 est.). At $147,543, the local median is 2.86% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oakland Park: You'd be above the median
How Oakland Park Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Oakland Park median: $147,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oakland Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,495 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.86% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Oakland Park, FL earn a median of $147,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Florida state average of $154,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oakland Park has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oakland Park, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,543 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,372 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,473
2025 BLS Actual
$143,846
2026 Current Est.
$147,543
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oakland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,335 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oakland Park metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,473 (2019) to $143,846 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,335 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,862 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakland Park 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) | $85,575 – $106,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,652 – $147,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,543 – $188,855 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,855 – $207,272 |
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 Oakland Park
With only six air traffic controllers currently employed in Oakland Park, the job market remains specialized yet robust. The local cost-of-living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which may impact the purchasing power of salaries within this field. Compensation can vary significantly depending on the specific employer; FAA en route centers and well-funded military positions may offer the most substantial pay. In contrast, pay disparities can also arise from factors like facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, which can substantially enhance take-home earnings. Eligible controllers can increase their salaries through overtime—often abundant due to staffing shortages—and by working at higher-tier facilities or taking on roles with added responsibilities. Understanding the local dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Oakland Park, FL, can provide valuable insights for current and aspiring controllers looking to maximize their earnings in an ever-evolving job market.
More salary data for Oakland Park, 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 $143,846 for air traffic controllersin the Oakland Park 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 Oakland Park 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