Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winter Haven, FL: $156,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Winter Haven, FL earns a median $156,167/year (≈ $75.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Winter Haven's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $154,928 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Winter Haven, Florida can expect a median annual salary of $156,167 in 2026, reflecting a trend of competitive compensation in the field. This wage compares favorably to the national median of $151,886, offering those in this region about a 2.82% advantage. With a salary range that spans from $90,576 at the lower tenth percentile to $228,047 at the top ninety percentile, the potential for growth is substantial for both new and seasoned professionals. Compensation estimations are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. Winter Haven's market supports a small pool of 10 active air traffic controllers, providing unique employment dynamics in this specialized occupation.
About the Winter Haven Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,576 | $43.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,440 | $54.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,167 | $75.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,894 | $96.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,047 | $109.64 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Haven
In Winter Haven, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,471 (2026 est.). At $156,167, the local median is 2.82% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winter Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winter Haven Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Winter Haven median: $156,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,621 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.82% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $156,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the Florida state average of $154,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winter Haven has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winter Haven, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,167 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,928 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,457
2025 BLS Actual
$152,254
2026 Current Est.
$156,167
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,252 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Haven metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,457 (2019) to $152,254 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,723 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winter Haven 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) | $90,576 – $112,440 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,440 – $156,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,167 – $199,894 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,894 – $228,047 |
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 Winter Haven
Evaluating the air traffic controller pay in Winter Haven, FL reveals nuances influenced by both the local job market and cost of living. The area's cost of living index stands just slightly above the national average at 100.8, which indicates that despite competitive salaries, take-home purchasing power may not significantly exceed that of other regions. Among the various employer types, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest pay grades, particularly for controllers holding Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status compared to those working in terminal or tower positions. Entry-level controllers often start at developmental pay levels that can be considerably lower, yet substantial overtime is often available due to chronic staffing shortages since the 2013 sequester. Controllers can maximize their pay by seeking positions in higher-tier facilities or en route centers, taking advantage of shift differentials, and maintaining flexibility to engage in mandatory overtime, which remains prevalent within the FAA's operational framework.
More salary data for Winter Haven, 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 $152,254 for air traffic controllersin the Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven 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