Metairie vs New Orleans: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Metairie, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Metairie, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,526 | $133,748▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.23 | $64.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,284 | $77,574▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,778 | $96,299▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,352 | $171,198▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,554 | $203,098▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 80▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.
The salary gap between Metairie and New Orleans is $2,222 (1.69%). New Orleans's median is -11.94% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $123,270,New Orleans spans $125,524. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($148,115 effective) pays 1.69% more than Metairie ($145,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,098)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,115)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Metairie grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Metairie, LA
$117,165 (2024) → $128,230 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$100,700 (2019) → $130,397 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Metairie or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Metairie to New Orleans as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Metairie vs New Orleans?
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