Air Traffic Controller Salary in Homewood, AL: $122,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Homewood, AL earns a median $122,388/year (≈ $58.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Homewood's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $139,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Homewood, Alabama, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $122,388. This figure represents a significant local contrast to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in the area varies widely, from $71,397 at the lower end (P10) to $174,764 at the upper end (P90). Driven largely by a chronic staffing shortage, many facilities require controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks, effectively boosting their income through substantial overtime. Local estimates reflect adjustments based on regional price parity, which highlights both the unique local job dynamic and the potential for growth in the Homewood market.
About the Homewood Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,397 | $34.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,259 | $43.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,388 | $58.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,656 | $75.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,764 | $84.03 |
Median Salary Position
19.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Homewood
In Homewood, AL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,367 (2026 est.). At $122,388, the local median is 19.42% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Homewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Homewood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Homewood median: $122,388/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Homewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $126,695 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.42% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Homewood, AL earn a median of $122,388 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.42% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $126,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Homewood 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.
Homewood, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,388 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,235 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$99,104
2025 BLS Actual
$119,321
2026 Current Est.
$122,388
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Homewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,104 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,091 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,533 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Homewood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,104 (2019) to $119,321 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,533 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,429 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Homewood 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) | $71,397 – $90,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,259 – $122,388 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,388 – $156,656 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,656 – $174,764 |
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 Homewood
Despite having only five employed air traffic controllers in the area, the job outlook remains optimistic due to the competitive salary levels and a cost-of-living index standing at 87.9, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of air traffic controller salaries in Homewood. Leading employers such as FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers offer varying compensation levels, with en route positions typically commanding higher pay due to their complexity and responsibilities. Factors contributing to the salary spectrum include facility level, Certification Pay Coordinator status, and the prevalence of lucrative overtime opportunities. Controllers can maximize their earnings by pursuing higher-tier facilities, gaining CPC certification, accepting night and weekend shifts, and leveraging the substantial overtime often required in low-staffed environments. Such strategies can significantly enhance the air traffic controller pay in Homewood AL.
More salary data for Homewood, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Homewood, AL in 2026?
Is Homewood, AL a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Homewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Homewood?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Homewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 $119,321 for air traffic controllersin the Homewood 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 Homewood 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