Davie vs Orlando: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Davie, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davie, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,725▲ | $151,598 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.87▲ | $72.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,320 | $90,528▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,260 | $117,299▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $199,327▲ | $179,764 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $234,211▲ | $200,996 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Davie, FL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Davie and Orlando is $4,127 (2.72%). Davie's median is +2.53% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davie spans $143,891,Orlando spans $110,468. Davie 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, Davie ($154,489 effective) pays 3.35% more than Orlando ($149,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,725/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($234,211)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,489)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Davie grew 10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Davie, FL
$137,094 (2024) → $151,823 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$135,240 (2021) → $147,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Davie or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davie and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Davie to Orlando as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Davie vs Orlando?
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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
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