Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kenner, LA: $127,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Kenner, LA earns a median $127,123/year (≈ $61.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Kenner's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $140,779 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salary in Kenner, LA is influenced by the nature of the role, particularly the need for controllers to often work 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic understaffing. As a result, the projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $127,123, reflecting the economic reality of overtime and extended shifts in a demanding environment. The salary range for air traffic controllers in Kenner varies significantly, with the lower 10th percentile earning approximately $73,731, while those at the higher end can expect around $190,496. These figures are derived from BLS 2025 data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost of living factors. Even though the compensation in Kenner is competitive, it ranks about 16.30% lower than the national median of $151,886, suggesting that local job seekers may need to strategize for maximum earnings in this market.
About the Kenner Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,731 | $35.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,528 | $44.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,123 | $61.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,718 | $78.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,496 | $91.58 |
Median Salary Position
16.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenner
In Kenner, LA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,765 (2026 est.). At $127,123, the local median is 16.3% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kenner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kenner Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Kenner median: $127,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $129,718 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -16.30% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Kenner, LA earn a median of $127,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $129,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenner has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenner, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $127,123 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,779 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,939
2025 BLS Actual
$123,938
2026 Current Est.
$127,123
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,157 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,390 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenner metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $102,939 (2019) to $123,938 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,390 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,451 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenner 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) | $73,731 – $91,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,528 – $127,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,123 – $162,718 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,718 – $190,496 |
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 Kenner
Within Kenner, only 11 air traffic controllers are currently employed, indicating a relatively small job market that can influence both salary potential and job security. The cost-of-living index for the area is 90.3, which means that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the reduced living costs can help maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, the FAA's terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically pay the most, alongside FAA airport traffic control towers, which contribute to hiring dynamics in the region. Factors driving the variation in air traffic controller pay in Kenner include the facility level (with en route positions generally commanding higher salaries than tower jobs), CPC certification status, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and additional overtime opportunities due to persistent staffing issues. New controllers should seek to leverage these dynamics—gaining certification, exploring positions in TRACON facilities, and embracing the overtime culture can significantly enhance overall compensation in Kenner.
More salary data for Kenner, LA:
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 $123,938 for air traffic controllersin the Kenner 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 Kenner 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