Air Traffic Controller Salary

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boynton Beach, FL: $153,510 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Boynton Beach, FL earns a median $153,510/year (≈ $73.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Boynton Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $152,292 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Florida state average.

$153,510
Median Annual Salary
$73.80/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$89,036
Entry Level (P10)
$218,838
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boynton Beach, FL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Boynton Beach, FL air traffic controller salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For air traffic controllers in Boynton Beach, Florida, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $153,510, which demonstrates a slight advancement over the national median of $151,886. This figure underscores how the demand for controllers, especially in understaffed facilities leading to 50-60 hour workweeks, can enhance overall compensation through overtime. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $89,036 at the 10th percentile to $218,838 for those at the 90th percentile. These local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, suggesting that controllers in Boynton Beach generally earn competitive wages influenced by local market conditions.

About the Boynton Beach Market

Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$89,036$42.80
Lower Range (P25)$112,811$54.24
Median (P50)(typical)$153,510$73.80
Upper Range (P75)$195,429$93.95
Top Earners (P90)$218,838$105.21

Median Salary Position

$89,036$218,838
City Median: $153,510
National: $151,886
P10–P90 Range

1.07% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boynton Beach

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Boynton Beach. The median salary is $153,510, compared to the national median of $151,886.$80.1K$117.5K$155.0K$192.4K$229.8K$89.0K10th Pctl$112.8K25th Pctl$153.5KMedian$195.4K75th Pctl$218.8K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

In Boynton Beach, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,802 (2026 est.). At $153,510, the local median is 1.07% above the national median of $151,886.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Boynton Beach metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$2,952
per week
$12,792
per month
$153,502
per year

At 40 hours/week in Boynton Beach: You'd be above the median

How Boynton Beach Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares

Boynton Beach median: $153,510/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryBoynton Beach Pays
Florida Average$154,593-0.70% less
National Average$151,886+1.07% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing air traffic controller median salary in Boynton Beach ($153,510) with Florida average ($154,593) and the US national median ($151,886).Boynton Beach$153,510Florida Avg$154,593-0.70%US National$151,886+1.07%

Air Traffic Controllers in Boynton Beach, FL earn a median of $153,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the Florida state average of $154,593.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$153,510
Nominal Salary
100.8
CoL Index
$152,292
Adjusted Salary

Boynton Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $153,510. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 100.8, the purchasing-power equivalent is $152,292, a loss of $1,218.$129.1K$141.0K$152.8K$164.7K$176.5K$153,510NominalSalary$152,292CoL Adjusted(CoL: 100.8) -0.79%US Median $151.9K

Boynton Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,510 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,292 — a 0.79% reduction.

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

$124,306

2025 BLS Actual

$149,664

2026 Current Est.

$153,510

2019–2027 Growth

+26.7%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Boynton Beach (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Boynton Beach. Baseline $124,306 in 2025, projected to $157,456 by 2027.$117.7K$129.3K$140.9K$152.5K$164.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$124.3K$131.8K$131.1K$133.7K$138.8K$135.1K$149.7K$153.5K$157.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$124,306Actual
2020$131,815Actual
2021$131,138Actual
2022$133,665Actual
2023$138,850Actual
2024$135,145Actual
2025$149,664Actual
2026(current)$153,510Estimated
2027$157,456Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boynton Beach metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,306 (2019) to $149,664 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,150 (26.67%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boynton Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$89,036$112,811
3-5 years (Mid Career)$112,811$153,510
5+ years (Experienced)$153,510$195,429
10+ years (Top Earner)$195,429$218,838

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 Boynton Beach

With only 12 air traffic controllers currently employed in Boynton Beach, job opportunities can be limited, yet this small workforce reflects a unique local market structure. The cost of living index in Boynton Beach, at 100.8, indicates that daily expenses are slightly above the national average, which may impact take-home purchasing power for air traffic controllers. Facilities within the region, such as FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) or airport traffic control towers (ATCT), generally determine salary variability, with en route centers typically offering higher compensation. Strategies to maximize pay in Boynton Beach require controllers to consider facility levels, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities, including the potential for increased earnings through mandatory overtime given staffing shortages. As budgeting for retirement approaches, understanding how these variables can affect overall compensation becomes crucial for controllers looking to optimize their pay in this particular market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do air traffic controllers make in Boynton Beach, FL in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median air traffic controller salary in Boynton Beach is $153,510/year ($73.80/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). Salaries range from $89,036 at entry level (10th percentile) to $218,838 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Boynton Beach at 1.1% above the national median. Full-time air traffic controllers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Boynton Beach, FL a good place to work as a air traffic controller?

Boynton Beach air traffic controller salaries are 1.1% above the national average and 0.7% below the Florida state average. The metro area employs approximately 12 air traffic controllers. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Boynton Beach?

Yes — the median air traffic controller salary in Boynton Beach is already $153,510, meaning more than half of air traffic controllers here earn six figures. Top earners (90th percentile) make $218,838/year. Factors that push pay above $100K include years of experience, specialty certifications, and working at high-production practices or large organizations.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Boynton Beach?

After adjusting for Boynton Beach's cost-of-living index of 100.8 (where 100 equals the national average), the $153,510 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $152,292 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Boynton Beach reduce the effective value of your salary by 0.8% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Boynton Beach?

Air Traffic Controllers in Boynton Beach earn a median hourly rate of $73.80, which translates to approximately $153,510/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $42.80 for entry-level positions to $105.21 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem air traffic controllers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Florida

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 $149,664 for air traffic controllersin the Boynton Beach 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 Boynton Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: