Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ocala, FL: $152,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ocala, FL earns a median $152,103/year (≈ $73.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ocala's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $150,896 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Ocala, Florida, can expect a median salary of $152,103, slightly above the national figure of $151,886. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $88,219 and experienced controllers earning up to $223,695. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect the compensation landscape for air traffic controllers across different facility tiers. While en route centers typically offer the highest pay due to the complexity of managing high-altitude traffic, terminal and tower facilities follow with varying degrees of compensation. This competitive salary structure illustrates the demand for qualified professionals within Ocala's air traffic control environment, making it a viable market for both current controllers and those entering the profession.
About the Ocala Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,219 | $42.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,098 | $52.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,103 | $73.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,692 | $93.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,695 | $107.54 |
Median Salary Position
0.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ocala
In Ocala, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,476 (2026 est.). At $152,103, the local median is 0.14% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ocala: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ocala Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ocala median: $152,103/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ocala Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,576 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.14% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ocala, FL earn a median of $152,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $154,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ocala has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ocala, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,103 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,896 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,166
2025 BLS Actual
$148,292
2026 Current Est.
$152,103
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ocala (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,166 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,577 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ocala metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,166 (2019) to $148,292 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,846 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ocala 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) | $88,219 – $110,098 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,098 – $152,103 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,103 – $194,692 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,692 – $223,695 |
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 Ocala
Ocala's job market currently employs 14 air traffic controllers, indicating a niche but stable community for this profession. The cost of living index in Ocala is slightly above average at 100.8, which impacts the take-home purchasing power for these professionals. Those seeking the highest air traffic controller pay in Ocala, FL, should consider positions with the FAA or military, as en route facilities generally provide more competitive salaries compared to terminal or tower positions. The pay spread between low and high salaries can be attributed to factors such as facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and available overtime, particularly in light of ongoing staffing shortages in the sector. To maximize earnings, controllers may benefit from pursuing additional certifications, accepting a variety of shifts, and being open to transfer opportunities at higher-paying en route centers.
More salary data for Ocala, 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 $148,292 for air traffic controllersin the Ocala 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 Ocala 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