Air Traffic Controller Salary in Opelika, AL: $122,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Opelika, AL earns a median $122,348/year (≈ $58.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $139,190 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the Opelika, Alabama, air traffic controller job market, the projected 2026 median annual salary stands at $122,348. This figure reflects a competitive compensation landscape when considering the full pay range of $71,309 to $174,650. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities and the local cost of living. While the median salary in Opelika is lower than the national average of $151,886, the pay structure is influenced heavily by the type of facility in which controllers work, with en route centers often offering higher wages than terminal or tower facilities. This dynamic pricing within the air traffic controller pay Opelika AL market signifies a blend of both regional economic factors and the specific demands of air traffic management.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,309 | $34.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,181 | $43.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,348 | $58.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,605 | $75.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,650 | $83.96 |
Median Salary Position
19.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,341 (2026 est.). At $122,348, the local median is 19.45% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Opelika median: $122,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $126,654 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.45% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Opelika, AL earn a median of $122,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.45% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $126,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika 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.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,348 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,190 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,071
2025 BLS Actual
$119,282
2026 Current Est.
$122,348
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,056 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,517 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,282 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,492 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,071 (2019) to $119,282 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,492 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,421 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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) | $71,309 – $90,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,181 – $122,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,348 – $156,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,605 – $174,650 |
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 Opelika
With just seven air traffic controllers currently employed in Opelika, the local job market remains niche yet stable. The city’s cost of living index of 87.9 offers an advantage, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of salaries earned by these professionals. Those seeking the highest pay in Opelika may find opportunities primarily with the FAA at en route centers or advantageous military roles, which provide unique career paths and higher base pay compared to other sectors. Factors that differentiate salaries include the facility level, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and overtime availability, all of which can significantly affect annual earnings, particularly given the ongoing staffing challenges within the FAA. For those aiming to maximize earnings, focusing on en route Level 12 positions, networking with local FAA management, and seeking roles that involve shift work or overtime can yield additional financial benefits in this area.
More salary data for Opelika, 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 $119,282 for air traffic controllersin the Opelika 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 Opelika 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