Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Biloxi, MS: $60,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,072 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,096 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,573) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level air traffic controllers in Biloxi, Mississippi, are projected at $60,072 for 2026. This initial pay ranks significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $103,573, highlighting a gap that new graduates should be prepared for as they embark on their careers. However, there is a clear upward trajectory within this field; ambitious newcomers can expect to see their earnings rise to $74,572 within the first few years as they gain experience and prove their capabilities. As the demand for air traffic controllers continues and the profession maintains a 2.57% annual growth rate, Biloxi presents a promising market for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in this crucial industry.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Biloxi, MS typically start between $60,072 and $74,572 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,884 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,573 — 31.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Mississippi of $22,000 represents just 36.62% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($60,072/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $60,072 to $74,572, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi'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 Biloxi is $84,884 ( 141.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,072, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,956.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,031
2025 BLS Actual
$58,567
2026 Current Est.
$60,072
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,223 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,616 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,031 in 2019 to $58,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,616. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
Those aiming for a career as an air traffic controller in Biloxi can find employment opportunities primarily through the FAA, which recruits both via public hiring announcements and partnerships with select universities through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Prospective applicants need to be under age 31 unless they are military veterans, emphasizing the importance of early preparation. Completing a bachelor's degree, or demonstrating three years of progressive work experience, along with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, is essential for starting in this role. New controllers will benefit from additional training at the FAA Academy, where they can expect to earn while they learn. Given the competitive nature of this profession, it's crucial for newcomers to actively seek ways to enhance their credentials and training. As federal employees, air traffic controllers in Biloxi will find themselves on the FG pay scale, with significant salary potential as they become fully certified. The realistic expectation for salary enhancement in the first few years ties closely to performance and the increasing need for skilled professionals in air traffic control amid ongoing understaffing issues.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is aviation school worth it in Biloxi?
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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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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