Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ashland, KY: $122,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ashland, KY earns a median $122,947/year (≈ $59.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $137,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, the projected compensation for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $122,947, significantly lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary spectrum here ranges from $71,309 at the 10th percentile to $166,803 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures, reflecting adjustments based on state-level BLS data and regional price parities, indicate how much air traffic controller pay in Ashland KY can differ based on facility type and controller certification status. While the local salaries may be attractive when considering cost of living factors, those seeking roles at FAA en route centers could find themselves at the higher end of the pay scale compared to terminal and tower facilities.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,309 | $34.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,522 | $42.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,947 | $59.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,021 | $73.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,803 | $80.19 |
Median Salary Position
19.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,494 (2026 est.). At $122,947, the local median is 19.05% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be above the median
How Ashland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ashland median: $122,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $129,281 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.05% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ashland, KY earn a median of $122,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Kentucky state average of $129,281.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,947 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,556
2025 BLS Actual
$119,866
2026 Current Est.
$122,947
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,106 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,556 (2019) to $119,866 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,106 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,550 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $71,309 – $88,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,522 – $122,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,947 – $153,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,021 – $166,803 |
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 Ashland
The job market for air traffic controllers in Ashland consists of just four professionals, indicating a niche but stable opportunity. With a cost of living index of 89.3, the purchasing power for controllers in the area can be higher despite salaries being lower than national averages. Those aiming for maximized earnings should consider pursuing positions at en route centers, where the highest compensation can often be found. Certification status, including CPC and development pay rates, plays an important role, along with additional financial incentives like shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Controllers can bolster their earnings by considering shifts that offer better rates and by obtaining traffic management coordinator roles. In a market characterized by chronic understaffing, officers prepared for overtime could see their income significantly increase, providing an opportunity to structure their careers effectively in Ashland.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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 $119,866 for air traffic controllersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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