Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tallahassee, FL: $157,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Tallahassee, FL earns a median $157,549/year (≈ $75.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Tallahassee's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $156,299 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Tallahassee, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $157,549, which is slightly above the national average of $151,886. The salary can vary significantly, with figures ranging from $91,379 at the 10th percentile to $240,785 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost factors, suggest that the potential for increased earnings is enhanced by extended overtime. Given the ongoing staffing challenges in the industry, many controllers in Tallahassee often put in 50-60 hour work weeks, which can substantially impact overall compensation and provide a more favorable financial situation than might be suggested by base salary alone.
About the Tallahassee Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,379 | $43.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,435 | $54.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,549 | $75.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,662 | $96.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $240,785 | $115.76 |
Median Salary Position
3.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tallahassee
In Tallahassee, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,406 (2026 est.). At $157,549, the local median is 3.73% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tallahassee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tallahassee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Tallahassee median: $157,549/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tallahassee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,611 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.73% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Tallahassee, FL earn a median of $157,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% above the Florida state average of $154,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tallahassee has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tallahassee, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,549 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $156,299 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,576
2025 BLS Actual
$153,601
2026 Current Est.
$157,549
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tallahassee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,576 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,588 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tallahassee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,576 (2019) to $153,601 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,022 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tallahassee 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) | $91,379 – $113,435 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,435 – $157,549 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,549 – $201,662 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,662 – $240,785 |
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 Tallahassee
Currently, about 40 air traffic controllers are employed in Tallahassee, where the cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 100.8. While base salaries can be appealing, it's essential for controllers to consider factors like the types of employers influencing pay scales. Facilities such as FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. The wage disparity can arise from several elements, including facility tier level, whether the controller has CPC status, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality pay. Those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Tallahassee, FL, should strategically pursue opportunities at high-traffic en route centers while also taking advantage of overtime and proving their effectiveness in managing busy airspace situations.
More salary data for Tallahassee, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Tallahassee, FL in 2026?
Is Tallahassee, FL a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Tallahassee?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Tallahassee?
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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 $153,601 for air traffic controllersin the Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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