Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Myers, FL: $154,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fort Myers, FL earns a median $154,551/year (≈ $74.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fort Myers's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $153,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Myers, the projected median annual salary for an air traffic controller in 2026 is $154,551, which slightly exceeds the national median of $151,886. Controllers in the area can expect to see their compensation range from $89,640 at the 10th percentile to as high as $232,241 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. For new recruits, the path to higher pay is typically tied to achieving CPC certification within 1-3 years, impacting overall earning potential significantly. The Fort Myers job market features a small but vital group of 23 air traffic controllers, indicating a tight job landscape where demand must be matched with qualified personnel.
About the Fort Myers Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,640 | $43.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,455 | $53.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,551 | $74.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,633 | $93.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,241 | $111.66 |
Median Salary Position
1.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Myers
In Fort Myers, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,601 (2026 est.). At $154,551, the local median is 1.75% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Myers: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Myers Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fort Myers median: $154,551/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Myers Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.75% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Myers, FL earn a median of $154,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.75% higher than the national median of $151,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Myers has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Myers, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,551 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,324 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,149
2025 BLS Actual
$150,679
2026 Current Est.
$154,551
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Myers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Myers metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,149 (2019) to $150,679 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,374 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Myers 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) | $89,640 – $111,455 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,455 – $154,551 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,551 – $194,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,633 – $232,241 |
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 Fort Myers
Local conditions such as a cost-of-living index of 100.8 provide insight into purchasing power for those in air traffic controller pay in Fort Myers, FL. The local labor market highlights a variety of employers, including FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers, with compensation often reflecting the facility type and the certification status of the controllers. Factors such as shift differentials, the potential for overtime, and locality pay significantly influence the salary variability observed in the area. A strategic approach for maximizing earnings could involve seeking assignments at larger facilities with greater traffic volume, aiming for CPC status sooner, and taking advantage of additional hours during busy seasons. With the ongoing challenges of staffing and retirements, newer controllers may find favorable opportunities to increase their pay considerably in Fort Myers.
More salary data for Fort Myers, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Fort Myers, FL in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Fort Myers?
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Related Pages
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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 $150,679 for air traffic controllersin the Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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