Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Houma, LA: $73,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Houma, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Houma's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,542) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those beginning their careers in air traffic control within Houma, Louisiana, the initial financial outlook can seem promising. The starting air traffic controller salary in the area is projected at $73,138 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $125,542, indicating a notable gap yet allowing room for advancement. The salary trajectory for early-career professionals showcasing ambition is also reassuring, with potential to rise from the beginning pay near $73,138 to approximately $92,804 at the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median within the first three to five years of service. Given these dynamics, Houma emerges as a relatively favorable market for new graduates, with a strong growth expectation of 2.57% annually contributing to the long-term prospects for increased income in air traffic control roles.
About the Houma Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Houma
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 Houma
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Houma, LA typically start between $73,138 and $92,804 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,076 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,542 — 17.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Louisiana of $32,000 represents just 43.75% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($73,138/year) in Houma. 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 Houma
- 1Research the Houma market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $73,138 to $92,804, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Houma, 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 Houma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Houma's below-average 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 Houma is $99,076 ( 135.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,214.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,130
2025 BLS Actual
$71,305
2026 Current Est.
$73,138
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,358 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,017 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Houma, LA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,130 in 2019 to $71,305 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,017. New graduates entering the Houma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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 Houma
In Houma, new graduates can seek employment opportunities primarily with the FAA, which recruits entry-level controllers through a variety of pathways. Among these, the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, alongside public bid windows for direct hire, presents accessible routes for applicants under the age of 31, barring military veterans who have extended options. To enhance starting pay and career progression, obtaining relevant credentials is essential. Graduates must demonstrate U.S. citizenship, meet age requirements, pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and complete necessary training at the FAA Academy, followed by several months of facility-specific training. Given that air traffic controllers follow the FG pay scale, initial earnings may be lower compared to other regions; however, controllers stationed at top-tier facilities in major cities can command salaries that exceed $130,000, especially after several years of dedicated service. For those committing to their roles and embracing the career path, a systematic strategy focused on continuous professional development can yield not just financial rewards, but also career stability as they progress through their initial years in this critical field.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Houma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Houma 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