Air Traffic Controller Salary in Coconut Creek, FL: $150,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Coconut Creek, FL earns a median $150,744/year (≈ $72.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Coconut Creek's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $149,548 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Coconut Creek, FL, reflect the demands of a profession often requiring long hours and critical oversight. In 2026, the projected median salary is $150,744, closely aligning with the national average of $151,886. This figure falls within a wide salary range from $87,432 at the lower end (P10) to $219,019 at the higher end (P90), indicating significant disparities influenced by overtime, facility type, and experience. Analysts attribute this competitive compensation to the high workload often faced by controllers, particularly in understaffed facilities that necessitate extended workweeks, where 50 to 60 hours of commitment are not uncommon. As Coconut Creek continues to bolster its aviation-related employment, aspiring controllers can expect robust earnings, driven by the unique dynamics of the local job market.
About the Coconut Creek Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,432 | $42.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,535 | $52.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,744 | $72.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,953 | $92.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,019 | $105.30 |
Median Salary Position
0.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coconut Creek
In Coconut Creek, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,587 (2026 est.). At $150,744, the local median is 0.75% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Coconut Creek: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Coconut Creek Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Coconut Creek median: $150,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Coconut Creek Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,609 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.75% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Coconut Creek, FL earn a median of $150,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Florida state average of $154,609.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Coconut Creek has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Coconut Creek, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,744 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,548 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,066
2025 BLS Actual
$146,967
2026 Current Est.
$150,744
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Coconut Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,066 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,709 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,618 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Coconut Creek metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,066 (2019) to $146,967 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,552 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coconut Creek 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) | $87,432 – $108,535 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,535 – $150,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,744 – $192,953 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,953 – $219,019 |
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 Coconut Creek
In terms of local employment, there are currently 11 air traffic controllers in Coconut Creek, highlighting a specialized job market within Southwest Florida's aviation industry. The cost of living in the area is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 100.8, impacting the purchasing power of these salaries. Controllers often find the highest pay in FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, which suggest the best earning potential exists in facilities that manage high-altitude traffic or within a significant radius of major airports. Factors contributing to salary variation include the facility level, certification status, and the prevalent need for overtime—stemming from a response to chronic staffing shortages. To maximize earnings in this competitive environment, controllers should seek opportunities for advancement related to position type and explore shift differentials, especially for night and weekend shifts. This strategic focus on career development can significantly enhance overall compensation and job satisfaction in Coconut Creek.
More salary data for Coconut Creek, 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 $146,967 for air traffic controllersin the Coconut Creek 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 Coconut Creek 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