Montgomery vs Vestavia Hills: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Montgomery, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montgomery, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,521▲ | $121,611 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.75▲ | $58.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,703▲ | $70,534 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,976▲ | $87,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,067▲ | $155,113 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,602▲ | $172,485 |
| Total Employed | 32▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vestavia Hills.
The salary gap between Montgomery and Vestavia Hills is $8,910 (7.33%). Montgomery's median is -14.07% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montgomery spans $118,899,Vestavia Hills spans $101,951. Montgomery 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, Montgomery ($148,488 effective) pays 7.33% more than Vestavia Hills ($138,352 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,521/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,602)
- ✓Larger job market (32 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,488)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Montgomery grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Montgomery, AL
$106,872 (2024) → $127,251 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$99,576 (2024) → $118,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montgomery, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Montgomery or Vestavia Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montgomery and Vestavia Hills?
Should I relocate from Montgomery to Vestavia Hills as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Montgomery vs Vestavia Hills?
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