Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $141,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $141,473/year (≈ $68.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $154,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chattanooga, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $141,473 in 2026, which reflects a competitive compensation model influenced by the necessity for extensive overtime. Given the frequent understaffing at local facilities, controllers often work 50-60 hour weeks, significantly boosting their overall earnings. Salary ranges for the role are projected to be between $82,054 at the lower end and can reach as high as $215,292 for more experienced professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and have been adjusted for local economic conditions, which helps to contextualize the earning potential in this vibrant city. For individuals pursuing a career in air traffic control, understanding these dynamics is vital in navigating their future in Chattanooga's job market.
About the Chattanooga Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,054 | $39.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,860 | $48.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,473 | $68.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,085 | $87.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,292 | $103.50 |
Median Salary Position
6.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,238 (2026 est.). At $141,473, the local median is 6.86% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chattanooga Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $141,473/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,382 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.86% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $141,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% above the Tennessee state average of $139,382.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,473 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $154,110 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,558
2025 BLS Actual
$137,928
2026 Current Est.
$141,473
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,558 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,479 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,855 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,225 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,109 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,558 (2019) to $137,928 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,109 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,551 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $82,054 – $101,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,860 – $141,473 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,473 – $181,085 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,085 – $215,292 |
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 Chattanooga
A closer look at the local employment landscape reveals that Chattanooga currently employs 36 air traffic controllers, operating in a cost-effective environment with a cost-of-living index of 91.8, which is below the national average. This situation enhances the purchasing power of controllers, making their take-home salaries go further. Among local employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the most lucrative positions due to their handling of high-altitude traffic, followed closely by terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Pay disparities stem from different facility levels, shift differentials, and the prevalence of overtime—often essential due to ongoing staffing shortfalls. Controllers can maximize their compensation by seeking en route positions, pursuing CPC certification, and capitalizing on overtime opportunities when available. With these strategies in mind, one can effectively enhance their air traffic controller pay in Chattanooga, TN.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Chattanooga?
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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 $137,928 for air traffic controllersin the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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