Cape Coral vs Jacksonville: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Cape Coral, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Coral, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,139 | $174,492▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.11 | $83.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,401 | $93,246▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,980 | $138,162▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $197,299▲ | $193,139 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,732▲ | $200,996 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Coral.
The salary gap between Cape Coral and Jacksonville is $20,353 (13.20%). Jacksonville's median is +14.88% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Coral spans $139,331,Jacksonville spans $107,750. Cape Coral 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, Jacksonville ($175,397 effective) pays 14.70% more than Cape Coral ($152,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,732)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,492/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $175,397)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Cape Coral grew 10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Cape Coral, FL
$135,698 (2024) → $150,277 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$132,200 (2019) → $170,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Cape Coral or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Coral and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Cape Coral to Jacksonville as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Cape Coral vs Jacksonville?
Related Comparisons
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