Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,434▲ | $128,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.11▲ | $61.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,552▲ | $74,279 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,513▲ | $93,167 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,356▲ | $163,927 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,271▲ | $189,125 |
| Total Employed | 37▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $7,366 (5.75%). Baton Rouge's median is -10.83% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $126,719,Lake Charles spans $114,846. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($149,982 effective) pays 5.75% more than Lake Charles ($141,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,271)
- ✓Larger job market (37 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,982)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Baton Rouge grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$120,647 (2024) → $132,041 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$114,085 (2024) → $124,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov