Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hollywood, FL: $90,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Hollywood, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,140 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hollywood's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,425 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,413) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Hollywood, FL, the starting salary landscape in 2026 presents promising opportunities. With a projected entry-level compensation set at $90,140, fresh controllers can expect to earn less than the city’s median salary of $155,413 initially. However, this entry-level pay is still competitive within the context of Hollywood's job market. Over a span of three to five years, new controllers can see their salaries increase significantly, moving upwards to the 25th percentile salary of $111,898 as they gain experience and complete required training. Given the growth rate of 2.57% projected for the industry, it’s a fertile market for new graduates eager to establish their careers in air traffic control.
About the Hollywood Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hollywood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hollywood
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Hollywood, FL typically start between $90,140 and $111,898 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $143,069 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,413 — 2.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Florida of $30,000 represents just 33.28% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($90,140/year) in Hollywood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hollywood
- 1Research the Hollywood market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $90,140 to $111,898, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hollywood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hollywood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hollywood's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Hollywood is $143,069 ( 158.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,140, experienced hygienists can earn up to $233,209.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,574
2025 BLS Actual
$87,881
2026 Current Est.
$90,140
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hollywood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,574 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,382 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,456 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Hollywood, FL grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,574 in 2019 to $87,881 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,456. New graduates entering the Hollywood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hollywood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Hollywood
In Hollywood, key employers such as the FAA actively recruit entry-level controllers through various pathways. For those under the age of 31 or military veterans, there are opportunities through “off-the-street” hiring announcements or the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which partners with select universities to identify talent early on. To enhance starting air traffic controller pay in Florida, aspiring professionals should focus on meeting the necessary qualifications, which include US citizenship, educational requirements, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After selection, candidates undergo comprised training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training that can last several years. Career strategies during the first three years should prioritize developing skills and understanding the Air Traffic Control pay scale's unique structure. Ultimately, controllers can expect salary advancements reflective of the industry’s historical demand, particularly given the ongoing staffing challenges that have prompted increased overtime opportunities post-2013.
More salary data for Hollywood, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Hollywood in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Hollywood?
Is aviation school worth it in Hollywood?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Hollywood?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Florida?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hollywood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hollywood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov