Philadelphia vs State College: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $203,694▲ | $141,071 |
| Hourly Rate | $97.93▲ | $67.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,734▲ | $81,821 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,777▲ | $101,809 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,792▲ | $180,570 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480▲ | $203,260 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $62,623 (44.39%). 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 Philadelphia spans $134,746,State College spans $121,439. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($198,621 effective) pays 37.13% more than State College ($144,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Philadelphia grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$149,890 (2019) → $198,590 (2025)
State College, PA
$128,174 (2024) → $137,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
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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