Air Traffic Controller Salary in Prattville, AL: $123,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Prattville, AL earns a median $123,970/year (≈ $59.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Prattville's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $141,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Prattville, Alabama, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $123,970 in 2026, which reflects the local compensation landscape shaped by both staffing levels and operational demands. The salary range for this position varies significantly, spanning from $71,903 at the lower end to $180,141 at the upper tier. These figures are influenced by local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, which account for regional cost adjustments. Given the chronic understaffing of facilities, many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks, which can enhance overall earnings through overtime, adding an essential layer to the effective compensation calculations for air traffic controller pay in Prattville AL.
About the Prattville Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,903 | $34.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,258 | $42.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,970 | $59.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,797 | $73.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,141 | $86.61 |
Median Salary Position
18.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prattville
In Prattville, AL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,238 (2026 est.). At $123,970, the local median is 18.38% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prattville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prattville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Prattville median: $123,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prattville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $126,629 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.38% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Prattville, AL earn a median of $123,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.38% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% below the Alabama state average of $126,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prattville 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.
Prattville, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $123,970 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,035 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,385
2025 BLS Actual
$120,864
2026 Current Est.
$123,970
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Prattville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,943 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,156 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prattville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,385 (2019) to $120,864 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,156 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,771 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prattville 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) | $71,903 – $89,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,258 – $123,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,970 – $153,797 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,797 – $180,141 |
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 Prattville
Eight individuals are currently filling air traffic controller roles in Prattville, indicating a tight job market within this specialized field. The area's cost of living index sits at 87.9, suggesting a more affordable environment for residents compared to national averages, which can positively impact take-home purchasing power. Among the various types of employers, those working at FAA en route centers tend to offer higher salaries due to the complexities of managing high-altitude traffic. Operational factors also play a significant role in salary disparities; controllers employed at en route Level 12 facilities earn more than those at terminal Level 11 or tower Level 7 installations. Factors such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the heavy reliance on overtime further influence compensation. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Prattville, pursuing opportunities at higher-tier facilities and acquiring additional certifications can greatly enhance one’s pay scale potential.
More salary data for Prattville, 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 $120,864 for air traffic controllersin the Prattville 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 Prattville 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