Air Traffic Controller Salary in Deerfield Beach, FL: $151,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Deerfield Beach, FL earns a median $151,602/year (≈ $72.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Deerfield Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $150,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Deerfield Beach, Florida, can expect a lucrative median annual salary of $151,602 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $151,886. The local salary range spans from $87,929 at the 10th percentile to $221,550 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential depending on experience and facility type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, reflecting the economic dynamics of Deerfield Beach. With the current demand for controllers, driven in part by chronic staffing shortages, many professionals find themselves working 50 to 60 hour weeks, effectively boosting their compensation through overtime pay.
About the Deerfield Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,929 | $42.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,153 | $52.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,602 | $72.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,050 | $93.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,550 | $106.52 |
Median Salary Position
0.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Deerfield Beach
In Deerfield Beach, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,621 (2026 est.). At $151,602, the local median is 0.19% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Deerfield Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Deerfield Beach Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Deerfield Beach median: $151,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Deerfield Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,538 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.19% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Deerfield Beach, FL earn a median of $151,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the Florida state average of $154,538.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Deerfield Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Deerfield Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,602 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,399 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,760
2025 BLS Actual
$147,803
2026 Current Est.
$151,602
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Deerfield Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,003 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,123 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,498 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Deerfield Beach metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,760 (2019) to $147,803 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,498 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,738 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Deerfield Beach 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) | $87,929 – $109,153 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,153 – $151,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,602 – $194,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,050 – $221,550 |
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 Deerfield Beach
The job market for air traffic controllers in Deerfield Beach remains robust, with 12 individuals currently employed in this field. The local cost of living index stands at 100.8, marginally above the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Government agencies such as the FAA play a significant role in the local economy, particularly those operating at higher-tier facilities that typically offer better pay. Factors contributing to the disparity in air traffic controller pay in Deerfield Beach include facility level—where en route centers command higher salaries than terminal and tower positions—as well as certification status and shift differentials. Controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing a developmental pay path towards Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, as well as taking advantage of mandatory overtime and holiday shifts, which can substantially enhance overall compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Deerfield Beach, 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 $147,803 for air traffic controllersin the Deerfield 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 Deerfield 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).
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