Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pinellas Park, FL: $151,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pinellas Park, FL earns a median $151,711/year (≈ $72.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pinellas Park's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $150,507 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pinellas Park, Florida, the air traffic controller salary is competitive, with a 2026 median annual compensation projected at $151,711. This figure is slightly below the national median of $151,886, reflecting regional adjustments in cost of living and market demand. Local salaries for air traffic controllers range significantly, from $87,993 at the 10th percentile to $227,876 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, which takes into account the unique economic factors affecting Pinellas Park's job market. The pay structures can vary greatly based on the facility tier, with en route controllers typically earning more than their terminal and tower counterparts, highlighting the significance of the facility type in determining earnings within this profession.
About the Pinellas Park Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,993 | $42.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,348 | $52.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,711 | $72.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $190,998 | $91.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,876 | $109.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinellas Park
In Pinellas Park, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,883 (2026 est.). At $151,711, the local median is 0.12% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pinellas Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pinellas Park Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pinellas Park median: $151,711/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinellas Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,650 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.12% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pinellas Park, FL earn a median of $151,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the Florida state average of $154,650.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinellas Park has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pinellas Park, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,711 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,507 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,849
2025 BLS Actual
$147,910
2026 Current Est.
$151,711
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pinellas Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,610 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinellas Park metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,849 (2019) to $147,910 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,610 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,761 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinellas Park 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) | $87,993 – $109,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,348 – $151,711 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,711 – $190,998 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $190,998 – $227,876 |
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 Pinellas Park
The job market for air traffic controllers in Pinellas Park features a modest population of just 13 professionals, reflecting both the demand and the specific employment landscape within the area. With a cost of living index of 100.8, local salaries offer a reasonable purchasing power, but potential hires should consider how this aligns with their financial goals. High salaries are often associated with en route centers and FAA terminal radar approach facilities, while tower positions may show a lower pay scale. Factors influencing the pay spread include facility level, certification status, and additional compensation from shifts and overtime. Controllers looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Pinellas Park, FL, should seek advancement to CPC certification and be open to accommodating shift differentials, as overtime remains a consistent avenue for increasing annual earnings given ongoing staffing needs across the industry.
More salary data for Pinellas Park, 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 $147,910 for air traffic controllersin the Pinellas Park 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 Pinellas Park 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