Air Traffic Controller Salary in Orlando, FL: $151,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Orlando, FL earns a median $151,598/year (≈ $72.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Orlando's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.4), that paycheck buys what $149,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $151,598 in 2026, reflecting slight alignment with the national average of $151,886. This compensation landscape showcases a full salary range from $90,528 for the lower 10th percentile to $200,996 for the top 10th percentile, indicating robust earning potential for experienced controllers. These numbers, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, are influenced by the extensive overtime required at many facilities, particularly due to continuing understaffing issues. With controllers often working 50 to 60-hour weeks, the effective compensation can significantly increase, offering a financial incentive that aligns with the high-pressure demands of the job. In Orlando's labor market, these factors establish a competitive environment for aspiring air traffic controllers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,528 | $43.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,299 | $56.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,598 | $72.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,764 | $86.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,996 | $96.63 |
Median Salary Position
0.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orlando
In Orlando, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,468 (2026 est.). At $151,598, the local median is 0.19% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orlando: You'd be above the median
How Orlando Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Orlando median: $151,598/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orlando Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,535 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.19% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Orlando, FL earn a median of $151,598 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 $154,535.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orlando has a cost of living 1.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orlando, FL has a cost-of-living index of 101.418 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,598 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,478 — a 1.4% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,757
2025 BLS Actual
$147,800
2026 Current Est.
$151,598
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,757 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,495 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orlando metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,757 (2019) to $147,800 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,495 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,738 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orlando 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) | $90,528 – $117,299 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,299 – $151,598 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,598 – $179,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,764 – $200,996 |
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 Orlando
The local job market features around 170 air traffic controllers employed within the Orlando area, providing a solid employment foundation. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 101.418, impacting take-home earnings and overall purchasing power. Among the employers in Orlando, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities typically offer the highest salaries, particularly en route centers, which have a higher pay scale than terminal facilities or control towers. Factors contributing to salary variability include the tier levels of facilities, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the abundance of overtime due to chronic staffing shortages. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Orlando, strategies such as pursuing further certifications, applying for positions at higher-tier facilities, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities can be key to optimizing earnings within the competitive landscape.
More salary data for Orlando, 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 $147,800 for air traffic controllersin the Orlando 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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