Orlando vs Winter Haven: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Orlando, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $151,598 | $156,167▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $72.89 | $75.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,528 | $90,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $117,299▲ | $112,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,764 | $199,894▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,996 | $228,047▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Winter Haven, FL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Winter Haven is $4,569 (3.01%). Winter Haven's median is +2.82% 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,Winter Haven spans $137,471. Winter Haven 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, Winter Haven ($154,928 effective) pays 3.65% more than Orlando ($149,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Winter Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,167/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,047)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,928)
- ✓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 Winter Haven over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$135,240 (2021) → $147,800 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$137,484 (2024) → $152,254 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Orlando or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Winter Haven as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Orlando vs Winter Haven?
Related Comparisons
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