Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,354 | $203,694▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.40 | $97.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,725 | $96,734▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,935 | $136,777▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,773 | $224,792▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,896 | $231,480▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $59,340 (41.11%). Philadelphia's median is +34.11% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $126,171,Philadelphia spans $134,746. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($198,621 effective) pays 34.02% more than Lancaster ($148,207 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($203,694/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,480)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $198,621)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Lancaster grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$131,157 (2024) → $140,737 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$149,890 (2019) → $198,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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