Orlando vs Plant City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Orlando, FL and Plant City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Plant City, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,598▲ | $146,307 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.89▲ | $70.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,528▲ | $84,858 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,299▲ | $105,341 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,764 | $187,272▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,996 | $208,738▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plant City.
The salary gap between Orlando and Plant City is $5,291 (3.62%). Orlando's median is -0.19% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $110,468,Plant City spans $123,880. Plant City 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, Orlando ($149,478 effective) pays 2.98% more than Plant City ($145,146 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,598/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,478)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Plant City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,738)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Orlando grew 9.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Plant City over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$135,240 (2021) → $147,800 (2025)
Plant City, FL
$128,803 (2024) → $142,641 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Plant City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Orlando or Plant City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Plant City?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Plant City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Orlando vs Plant City?
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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