Johnson City vs Nashville: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Johnson City, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,438 | $159,537▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.52 | $76.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,454 | $104,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,116 | $135,198▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,760▲ | $173,087 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,201▲ | $181,703 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Nashville is $19,099 (13.60%). Nashville's median is +5.04% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $122,747,Nashville spans $76,989. Johnson City 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, Nashville ($165,601 effective) pays 8.25% more than Johnson City ($152,983 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,201)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,537/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,601)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Johnson City grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$118,353 (2024) → $136,919 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$150,220 (2024) → $155,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Johnson City or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Nashville as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Johnson City vs Nashville?
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