Air Traffic Controller Salary in Germantown, TN: $135,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Germantown, TN earns a median $135,707/year (≈ $65.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Germantown's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $147,829 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Germantown, TN can expect a median annual salary of $135,707 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $151,886 for the same year. The local salary range spans from $78,710 at the 10th percentile to $196,079 for the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust compensation structure that is influenced by various factors. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted according to regional cost considerations. The working environment in Germantown may entail longer hours and increased overtime which can effectively boost take-home pay, especially given the ongoing staffing challenges that impact many facilities across the country.
About the Germantown Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,710 | $37.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,298 | $48.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,707 | $65.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,705 | $83.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,079 | $94.27 |
Median Salary Position
10.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Germantown
In Germantown, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,369 (2026 est.). At $135,707, the local median is 10.65% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Germantown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Germantown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Germantown median: $135,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Germantown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,473 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.65% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Germantown, TN earn a median of $135,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Tennessee state average of $139,473.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Germantown 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.
Germantown, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,829 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,890
2025 BLS Actual
$132,307
2026 Current Est.
$135,707
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Germantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,195 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Germantown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,890 (2019) to $132,307 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,195 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,305 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Germantown 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) | $78,710 – $101,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,298 – $135,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,707 – $173,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,705 – $196,079 |
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 Germantown
Currently, there are eight air traffic controllers employed in Germantown, a number that suggests a relatively tight job market in this specific field. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, which is below the national average and indicates that the take-home purchasing power for controllers is potentially greater than in higher-cost areas. Among local employers, FAA en route centers offer the most lucrative salaries, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities. Several factors contribute to the pay differences within the region, including the facility level, which ranks en route facilities higher than terminal or tower operations. Additionally, certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime create opportunities to maximize earnings. Controllers in Germantown can significantly increase their compensation by strategically pursuing assignments that offer overtime and enhance their professional certifications while gaining experience in high-demand roles.
More salary data for Germantown, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Germantown, TN in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Germantown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Germantown?
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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 $132,307 for air traffic controllersin the Germantown 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 Germantown 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