Air Traffic Controller Salary in Smyrna, TN: $140,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Smyrna, TN earns a median $140,935/year (≈ $67.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $153,524 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Smyrna, TN, are projected to reach a median annual income of $140,935, which represents a slight decrease of 7.21% compared to the national median of $151,886 for the same year. The salary range for these professionals spans from $81,742 at the 10th percentile to $200,438 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, reflect the market conditions in Smyrna, highlighting variations in earnings based on local demand and the specific responsibilities of the position. As the aviation sector grapples with challenges such as staffing shortages and an aging workforce, the economic dynamics underline the importance of knowing potential earnings when considering a career as an air traffic controller in this Tennessee city.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,742 | $39.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,474 | $48.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,935 | $67.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,397 | $86.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,438 | $96.36 |
Median Salary Position
7.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,696 (2026 est.). At $140,935, the local median is 7.21% below the national median of $151,886.
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How Smyrna Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $140,935/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,402 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.21% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $140,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $139,402.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,935 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,524 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,123
2025 BLS Actual
$137,404
2026 Current Est.
$140,935
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,123 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,396 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,772 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,557 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,123 (2019) to $137,404 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,434 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $81,742 – $101,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,474 – $140,935 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,935 – $180,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,397 – $200,438 |
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 Smyrna
The air traffic controller job market in Smyrna currently employs 12 individuals, reflecting a niche but vital segment of the local workforce. With a cost-of-living index at 91.8, which is below the national average, residents may find that their earnings have increased purchasing power, largely due to relatively lower expenses. Within the market, the highest salaries typically come from FAA en route centers, where CPC-certified controllers benefit from advanced pay scales linked to traffic volume and complexity. Factors driving the disparity between lower and higher salaries include the facility type, certification status, shift differentials, and the frequent availability of overtime opportunities. Controllers seeking to maximize their pay in Smyrna should focus on obtaining CPC certification and working flexible shifts, as these strategies can lead to increased earnings in a market characterized by its potential for career growth amidst an ongoing demand for skilled personnel.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
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 $137,404 for air traffic controllersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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