Air Traffic Controller Salary in Richmond, KY: $127,251 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Richmond, KY earns a median $127,251/year (≈ $61.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $142,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected air traffic controller salary in Richmond, KY, reaches a median of $127,251, showcasing the area's potential for competitive compensation within this critical profession. The salary range spans from $73,806 at the 10th percentile to $174,402 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a broad spectrum of pay based on experience and position. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations, indicate that even within a smaller market, there are opportunities for controllers to earn well, particularly as they progress in their careers with FAA certification. As Richmond continues to develop its aviation workforce, the economic impact of these salary levels will be essential for attracting and retaining skilled professionals in air traffic control.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,806 | $35.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,621 | $44.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,251 | $61.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,344 | $77.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,402 | $83.85 |
Median Salary Position
16.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,596 (2026 est.). At $127,251, the local median is 16.22% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Richmond median: $127,251/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $129,189 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -16.22% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Richmond, KY earn a median of $127,251 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.22% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $129,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $127,251 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,498 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$103,042
2025 BLS Actual
$124,063
2026 Current Est.
$127,251
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,042 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,251 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,522 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $103,042 (2019) to $124,063 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,522 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,480 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $73,806 – $91,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,621 – $127,251 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,251 – $161,344 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,344 – $174,402 |
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 Richmond
Richmond's air traffic controller pay is particularly noteworthy considering the local labor market and the cost of living index, which sits at 89.3—below the national average. With only five air traffic controllers currently employed in the region, opportunities may be limited, driving competition for positions at FAA facilities. En route centers, like ARTCCs, generally offer higher salaries due to handling a larger volume of air traffic compared to terminal or tower positions. To maximize their pay in the Richmond market, prospective controllers should consider obtaining CPC certification as early as possible, as developmental controllers can earn significantly less than their fully certified counterparts until they achieve this status. Additionally, taking advantage of overtime opportunities and understanding the intricacies of locality pay and higher shifts can further enhance overall earnings. For those seeking to maximize their earnings and job satisfaction, focusing on skill development and flexibility will be vital in navigating the local air traffic controller market.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Richmond, KY in 2026?
Is Richmond, KY a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Richmond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Richmond?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Richmond?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kentucky
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 $124,063 for air traffic controllersin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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