Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bartlett, TN: $81,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Bartlett, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,333 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bartlett's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,598 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,229) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bartlett, TN, new air traffic controller graduates can expect to see starting salaries around $81,333 in 2026, marking the entry-level point in a profession with significant salary growth potential. Compared to the median annual salary of $140,229 for all air traffic controllers in the area, entry-level positions still show room for improvement as recent graduates adjust to their roles. Over the span of three to five years, starting earnings can rise dramatically; as controllers acquire experience, they may move up to salaries closer to $100,965 at the 25th percentile before reaching the city median. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57% in this profession, Bartlett presents a promising opportunity for newly minted graduates aiming to establish their careers in air traffic control.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bartlett
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 Bartlett
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Bartlett, TN typically start between $81,333 and $100,965 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,023 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,229 — 7.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Tennessee of $35,000 represents just 43.03% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,333/year) in Bartlett. 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 Bartlett
- 1Research the Bartlett market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,333 to $100,965, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bartlett, 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 Bartlett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bartlett'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 Bartlett is $117,023 ( 143.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,333, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,356.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,092
2025 BLS Actual
$79,295
2026 Current Est.
$81,333
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,092 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,295 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,423 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Bartlett, TN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,092 in 2019 to $79,295 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,423. New graduates entering the Bartlett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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 Bartlett
New air traffic controller job seekers in Bartlett should focus on understanding the hiring landscape. The FAA regularly recruits through public bid windows, attracting candidates who are under age 31, unless they have military experience. Additionally, the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) collaborates with select universities, providing another avenue for aspiring controllers. For those seeking higher starting pay in TN, possessing a bachelor's degree or extensive progressive work experience could be beneficial. Applicants must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training that can span 1-3 years before certification as a fully qualified controller. During the initial years of employment, controllers can realistically expect their pay to increase as they gain experience; particularly around busy en route facilities, where salaries can eventually exceed $130,000 to $180,000. Expanding one's skill sets and taking advantage of overtime opportunities are essential strategies for maximizing compensation in an environment that could lead to pension eligibility before mandatory retirement at age 56.
More salary data for Bartlett, TN:
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 Bartlett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlett 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