Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madisonville, KY: $123,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Madisonville, KY earns a median $123,122/year (≈ $59.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Madisonville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $137,875 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Madisonville, KY, is projected to reach a median of $123,122, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for air traffic controllers in this area varies significantly, from about $71,410 at the 10th percentile up to $162,857 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect local cost of living conditions, which are measured through regional price parities. Given the relatively modest number of employed air traffic controllers—only five—with their salaries heavily influenced by facility type and experience, Madisonville provides a specific employment context for those considering a career in air traffic control.
About the Madisonville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,410 | $34.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,648 | $42.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,122 | $59.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,017 | $72.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,857 | $78.29 |
Median Salary Position
18.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madisonville
In Madisonville, KY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,447 (2026 est.). At $123,122, the local median is 18.94% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madisonville: You'd be above the median
How Madisonville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Madisonville median: $123,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madisonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $129,194 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.94% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Madisonville, KY earn a median of $123,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.94% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Kentucky state average of $129,194.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madisonville 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.
Madisonville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $123,122 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,875 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,698
2025 BLS Actual
$120,037
2026 Current Est.
$123,122
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Madisonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,721 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,387 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,037 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madisonville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,698 (2019) to $120,037 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,588 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madisonville 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) | $71,410 – $88,648 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,648 – $123,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,122 – $151,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,017 – $162,857 |
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 Madisonville
The job market in Madisonville reflects a unique blend of local economic factors with the broader aviation landscape. With a cost-of-living index at 89.3, controllers here can expect greater purchasing power compared to other regions. Most opportunities within the area typically originate from FAA airport traffic control towers rather than high-altitude en route centers. Potential controllers should prioritize obtaining Certification (CPC) optimal for earning at the upper levels of the pay scale—developmental controllers can earn considerably less until they achieve full certification. Maximizing earning potential involves taking advantage of overtime opportunities and shift differentials, particularly for night and holiday shifts. For those aspiring to thrive in Madisonville's market, understanding the interplay of facility levels, CPC status, and the factors driving pay differences is crucial for advancing in their careers.
More salary data for Madisonville, 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 $120,037 for air traffic controllersin the Madisonville 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 Madisonville 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