Air Traffic Controller Salary in Daphne, AL: $123,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Daphne, AL earns a median $123,881/year (≈ $59.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Daphne's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $140,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $123,881, significantly lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range extends from $71,851 at the lower end (P10) to $180,146 at the higher end (P90), reflecting the variances that arise from facility types and the extensive overtime that many controllers routinely work. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data along with regional cost adjustments, indicate that severe staffing shortages continue to necessitate longer hours, enabling controllers in Daphne to effectively boost their take-home compensation through involuntary overtime. This reality emphasizes the pressing demand for air traffic controllers in Daphne, ultimately shaping the compensation structure for this critical profession.
About the Daphne Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,851 | $34.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,194 | $42.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,881 | $59.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,392 | $73.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,146 | $86.61 |
Median Salary Position
18.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daphne
In Daphne, AL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,295 (2026 est.). At $123,881, the local median is 18.44% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Daphne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Daphne Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Daphne median: $123,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daphne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $126,668 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.44% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Daphne, AL earn a median of $123,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $126,668.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daphne has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daphne, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $123,881 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,934 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,313
2025 BLS Actual
$120,777
2026 Current Est.
$123,881
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,313 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,373 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,777 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daphne metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,313 (2019) to $120,777 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,752 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,851 – $89,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,194 – $123,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,881 – $153,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,392 – $180,146 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Daphne
The job market for air traffic controllers in Daphne is rather small, with only six employed in the area, yet competitive pay dynamics persist. The cost-of-living index for Daphne stands at 87.9, indicating a lower-than-average living expense, which enhances purchasing power despite the salary being below the national average. Among the various employers, FAA terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers typically provide competitive pay opportunities, though en route centers offer potentially higher compensation based on the facility tier system. Factors influencing the salary spread include the controller's certification status, shift differentials, and the frequency of overtime, with many controllers benefiting from substantial mandatory overtime. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Daphne, focusing on obtaining CPC certification and being open to shifts, especially during weekends and holidays, can significantly enhance overall compensation in this challenging market.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,777 for air traffic controllersin the Daphne metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daphne 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