Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $72,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,034 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,054 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,196) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates pursuing a career as an air traffic controller in Hattiesburg, MS, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected at $72,034 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $124,196, suggesting that newly minted controllers can expect to earn around 58% of the city average right out of the gate. However, the earning potential increases within the first few years—climbing to $89,740 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as controllers gain experience and fulfill training requirements. Hattiesburg presents a viable market for aspiring controllers, especially as the FAA continues to forecast a steady growth rate of 2.57% annually in the profession, making it an attractive option for recent graduates despite the initial pay scaling.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $72,034 and $89,740 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,343 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,196 — 18.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Mississippi of $22,000 represents just 30.54% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($72,034/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $72,034 to $89,740, 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $102,343 ( 142.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,034, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,377.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,193
2025 BLS Actual
$70,229
2026 Current Est.
$72,034
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,193 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,232 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,229 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,885 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,193 in 2019 to $70,229 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,885. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, employment opportunities primarily arise through the FAA, which employs entry-level controllers via public job postings that typically favor candidates under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressive work experience can enhance their employability. They must also pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and complete their Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Here, they receive paid training of approximately 3-5 months, followed by 1-3 years of facility-specific training before full certification as a controller. To successfully navigate their careers in the first few years, new controllers should anticipate a gradual salary increase corresponding to their workload and responsibilities, especially considering the chronic understaffing issues post-2013. With mandatory retirement at age 56, aspirants in this field can aim for stability and growth, reflecting the competitive nature of the air traffic controller landscape.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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