Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Monroe, LA: $72,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Monroe, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,594 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Monroe's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,392 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,118) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller positions in Monroe, Louisiana, represent a promising career path for new graduates. In 2026, starting air traffic controller salary in Monroe is projected at $72,594, which is notably lower than the city’s median of $125,118. This creates a gap that entry-level professionals would need to navigate as they gain experience. Within the initial years on the job, new controllers can expect to see a growth trajectory moving towards the P25 level at $91,979, illustrating potential salary increases as they advance in skills and training. Given the current demand and the strategies employed by the FAA to recruit fresh talent, Monroe appears to be a viable market for those entering this field.
About the Monroe Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Monroe
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 Monroe
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Monroe, LA typically start between $72,594 and $91,979 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,622 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,118 — 17.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Louisiana of $32,000 represents just 44.08% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($72,594/year) in Monroe. 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 Monroe
- 1Research the Monroe market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $72,594 to $91,979, 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 Monroe, 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 Monroe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Monroe'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 Monroe is $105,622 ( 145.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,594, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,216.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,669
2025 BLS Actual
$70,775
2026 Current Est.
$72,594
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,416 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,645 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,460 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Monroe, LA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,669 in 2019 to $70,775 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,460. New graduates entering the Monroe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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 Monroe
Seeking employment as a new grad air traffic controller in Monroe often means eyeing specific employers like the FAA, which actively hires through various channels. Prospective air traffic controllers must be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans; this ensures a robust pipeline of young talent ready to undergo the FAA Academy training, which is compensated. Entry into this profession typically requires a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience, alongside passing the FAA's standardized aptitude tests. While the entry-level pay may seem modest, especially when compared to the national median salary of $151,886, controllers can anticipate significant salary growth as they move through the ranks. The first few years are crucial in establishing one's career trajectory, especially in top-tier facilities where advanced positions can exceed $200,000 annually. With mandatory retirement at 56 and ongoing staffing shortages within the FAA, there are abundant opportunities for new graduates willing to invest in their professional development.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Monroe in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Monroe?
Is aviation school worth it in Monroe?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Monroe?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Louisiana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Monroe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Monroe 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