Air Traffic Controller Salary in Largo, FL: $155,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Largo, FL earns a median $155,947/year (≈ $74.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Largo's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $154,709 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Largo, Florida, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $155,947 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $151,886. Salaries range significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $90,449 and experienced controllers reaching up to $221,189. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, with adjustments made for regional cost variations. The salary structure often varies by the facility tier; controllers in en route Level 12 positions typically earn more than those working at terminal or tower facilities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring controllers in Largo, as opportunities in en route positions generally offer better compensation than those at lower-tier facilities.
About the Largo Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,449 | $43.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,282 | $53.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,947 | $74.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,337 | $95.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,189 | $106.34 |
Median Salary Position
2.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Largo
In Largo, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,740 (2026 est.). At $155,947, the local median is 2.67% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Largo: You'd be above the median
How Largo Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Largo median: $155,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Largo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,556 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.67% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Largo, FL earn a median of $155,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Florida state average of $154,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Largo has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Largo, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,947 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,709 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,279
2025 BLS Actual
$152,040
2026 Current Est.
$155,947
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Largo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,908 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,955 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Largo metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,279 (2019) to $152,040 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,955 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,676 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Largo 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) | $90,449 – $112,282 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,282 – $155,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,947 – $198,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,337 – $221,189 |
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 Largo
Given that only 12 air traffic controllers are currently employed in Largo, the job market for this profession is relatively tight, which can influence local compensation rates. With a cost of living index of 100.8, living expenses in Largo are slightly above the national average, affecting take-home pay and purchasing power for controllers in the area. Employers such as FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest salaries, followed by TRACON and ATCT facilities. Factors that contribute to the salary range in Largo include the facility tier, the controller's certification status, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities. To maximize pay in this market, controllers should aim for CPC certification, consider positions at higher-tier facilities, and be strategic about shift selection, especially during peak hours and holiday schedules where additional compensation can be substantial.
More salary data for Largo, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Largo, FL in 2026?
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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 $152,040 for air traffic controllersin the Largo 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 Largo 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