Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winter Park, FL: $153,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Winter Park, FL earns a median $153,289/year (≈ $73.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Winter Park's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $152,072 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $153,289 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Winter Park, FL, can expect competitive compensation compared to national standards. The salary range here extends from $88,908 at the 10th percentile to as much as $217,676 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility across facility tiers. Controllers at en route Level 12 positions generally command higher salaries than those working in terminal or tower facilities. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local market conditions, making Winter Park's pay notably appealing for individuals considering a career in air traffic control.
About the Winter Park Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,908 | $42.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,368 | $53.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,289 | $73.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,676 | $94.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,676 | $104.65 |
Median Salary Position
0.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Park
In Winter Park, FL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,768 (2026 est.). At $153,289, the local median is 0.92% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winter Park: You'd be above the median
How Winter Park Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Winter Park median: $153,289/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $154,525 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Winter Park, FL earn a median of $153,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $154,525.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winter Park has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winter Park, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,289 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,072 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,126
2025 BLS Actual
$149,448
2026 Current Est.
$153,289
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winter Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,228 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Park metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,126 (2019) to $149,448 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,228 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,102 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winter 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) | $88,908 – $110,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,368 – $153,289 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,289 – $195,676 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,676 – $217,676 |
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 Winter Park
In Winter Park, the local job market for air traffic controllers is relatively small but stable, with seven employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of earnings. Among local employers, the FAA typically offers the highest salaries, especially for those in en route centers where traffic management is critical. Factors contributing to the wide salary ranges include the facility tier system, certification levels, and potential for overtime and shift differentials, which can significantly enhance earnings. Prospective controllers in this market may benefit from pursuing CPC certification and exploring additional roles within higher-paying facilities to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Winter Park, FL.
More salary data for Winter 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 $149,448 for air traffic controllersin the Winter 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 Winter 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