Air Traffic Controller Salary in Key West, FL: $152,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Key West, FL earns a median $152,305/year (≈ $73.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $151,096 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Key West, Florida, can anticipate a median annual salary of $152,305, reflecting both the competitive nature of the profession and local market conditions. The salary range spans from $88,337 at the 10th percentile to $208,952 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the pay implications tied to facility tiers—from tower operations to more lucrative en route centers. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, projected to 2026 alongside adjustments for regional price parity. As the need for skilled controllers remains high, particularly with the chronic understaffing in the FAA, Key West's air traffic controller pay presents an attractive opportunity for those in the field.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,337 | $42.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,660 | $52.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,305 | $73.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,240 | $92.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,952 | $100.46 |
Median Salary Position
0.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,615 (2026 est.). At $152,305, the local median is 0.28% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be above the median
How Key West Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Key West median: $152,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,625 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.28% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Key West, FL earn a median of $152,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $154,625.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Key West has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Key West, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,305 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,096 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,330
2025 BLS Actual
$148,489
2026 Current Est.
$152,305
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,615 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,219 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,330 (2019) to $148,489 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,219 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,889 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Key West 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) | $88,337 – $109,660 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,660 – $152,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,305 – $193,240 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,240 – $208,952 |
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 Key West
Currently, only four air traffic controllers are employed in Key West, indicating a niche market where qualified candidates may find solid opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, living expenses are slightly above the national average, which could affect purchasing power. Among local employers, the FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically offer the highest salaries. The disparity in earnings within the field often results from factors such as facility type, level of certification, shift differentials, and opportunities for overtime pay. Air traffic controllers aiming to increase their compensation can benefit from targeting higher-tier facilities, maximizing overtime potential, and pursuing CPC certification to ascend in pay scales, thus navigating the unique salary dynamics of Key West, FL.
More salary data for Key West, 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 $148,489 for air traffic controllersin the Key West 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 Key West 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