Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wellington, FL: $87,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Wellington, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,631 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wellington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,936 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($151,087) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Wellington, FL, starts at approximately $87,631. New graduates entering the field can expect this starting pay to trail the city's median salary of $151,087 by about $63,456. As they gain experience, fresh graduates can anticipate steady growth, moving from the P10 entry-level position to the P25 level at $108,783 within their first few years. This progressive increase highlights Wellington as a relatively favorable market for new entrants in the air traffic control profession, particularly given the city's annual growth rate of 2.57%. Job seekers should be encouraged by the potential to elevate their pay significantly as they start their careers in air traffic control.
About the Wellington Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wellington
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 Wellington
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Wellington, FL typically start between $87,631 and $108,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $137,688 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $151,087 — 0.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Florida of $30,000 represents just 34.23% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($87,631/year) in Wellington. 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 Wellington
- 1Research the Wellington market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $87,631 to $108,783, 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 Wellington, 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 Wellington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wellington'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 Wellington is $137,688 ( 157.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,631, experienced hygienists can earn up to $225,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,442
2025 BLS Actual
$85,435
2026 Current Est.
$87,631
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wellington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,442 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,269 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,173 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,146 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,883 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Wellington, FL grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,442 in 2019 to $85,435 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,883. New graduates entering the Wellington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wellington 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 Wellington
Several key employers in Wellington are actively seeking new air traffic controllers, primarily through the FAA's recruitment efforts, which include public bid openings for off-the-street hiring. Applicants must be under 31 years old unless they are military veterans, and they can enhance their prospects by completing the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program or leveraging military experience. New hires must navigate the preliminary steps such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which lasts typically three to five months. After initial training, controllers undergo facility-specific training, which can take an additional one to three years to achieve full certification. Given the current climate of chronic understaffing since the 2013 sequester, opportunities for overtime abound, allowing for substantial earning potential early in one’s career. Realistically, new air traffic controllers can expect their salaries to grow beyond entry-level as they progress through the FG pay scale, particularly if they remain open to opportunities that may arise in higher-tier en route facilities across the country.
More salary data for Wellington, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Wellington in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Wellington?
Is aviation school worth it in Wellington?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Wellington?
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 Wellington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wellington 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