Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cape Coral, FL: $154,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cape Coral, FL earns a median $154,139/year (≈ $74.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cape Coral's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $152,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cape Coral, Florida, the 2026 median annual salary for air traffic controllers reaches $154,139, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by 1.48%. This salary figure is reflective of the local market conditions and is derived from state-level estimates along with regional price adjustments. With a comprehensive salary range from $89,401 at the P10 level to $228,732 at the P90, compensation packages can vary significantly based on the type of air traffic control facility. Those working at en route centers generally command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal or tower facilities, shedding light on the potential for lucrative earnings in this coastal city.
About the Cape Coral Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,401 | $42.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,980 | $53.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,139 | $74.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,299 | $94.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,732 | $109.97 |
Median Salary Position
1.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cape Coral
In Cape Coral, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,331 (2026 est.). At $154,139, the local median is 1.48% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cape Coral: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cape Coral Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cape Coral median: $154,139/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cape Coral Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,603 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.48% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Coral, FL earn a median of $154,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% below the Florida state average of $154,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cape Coral has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cape Coral, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,139 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,916 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,815
2025 BLS Actual
$150,277
2026 Current Est.
$154,139
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Coral (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,418 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,277 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cape Coral metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,815 (2019) to $150,277 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,285 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cape Coral 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) | $89,401 – $110,980 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,980 – $154,139 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,139 – $197,299 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,299 – $228,732 |
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 Cape Coral
With 29 air traffic controllers currently employed in Cape Coral, the job market demonstrates a modest yet solid presence for this profession. The cost-of-living index, standing at 100.8, suggests that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, the earning potential mitigates some financial pressures. Among employers, FAA en route centers often provide the highest pay, as these facilities control aircraft at cruising altitude and require extensive training. The disparity in salaries, influenced by factors such as facility tier, CPC certification status, and the opportunity for overtime, presents avenues for controllers aspiring to maximize their compensation. Strategies for increasing pay include pursuing shifts at higher-tier facilities, leveraging developmental positions for growth, and taking advantage of mandatory overtime, which remains a frequent requirement. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring and current air traffic controllers navigate their career trajectories effectively in Cape Coral, FL.
More salary data for Cape Coral, FL:
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 $150,277 for air traffic controllersin the Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral 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