Air Traffic Controller Salary in Metairie, LA: $131,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Metairie, LA earns a median $131,526/year (≈ $63.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Metairie's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $145,654 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median air traffic controller salary in Metairie, Louisiana, stands at an attractive $131,526, which offers a competitive compensation package when compared to the national median of $151,886, reflecting a variance of approximately 13.40%. Compensation levels in the area range from $76,284 to $199,554, positioning Metairie as a solid choice for incoming controllers, especially given the relatively quick career progression from developmental pay to full certification. Controllers can expect a journey that spans one to three years for certification, after which they can access a broader salary range and newer opportunities within the FAA or other entities. Moreover, local economic factors derived from BLS estimates and regional price parity indicators contribute to a favorable job market climate for this profession.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,284 | $36.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,778 | $46.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,526 | $63.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,352 | $80.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,554 | $95.94 |
Median Salary Position
13.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Metairie
In Metairie, LA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,270 (2026 est.). At $131,526, the local median is 13.4% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Metairie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Metairie Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Metairie median: $131,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Metairie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $129,710 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.40% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Metairie, LA earn a median of $131,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Louisiana state average of $129,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Metairie has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Metairie, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $131,526 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,654 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,503
2025 BLS Actual
$128,230
2026 Current Est.
$131,526
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,906 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Metairie metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,503 (2019) to $128,230 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,906 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,403 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Metairie 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) | $76,284 – $95,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,778 – $131,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,526 – $168,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,352 – $199,554 |
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 Metairie
The local job market is bolstered by the presence of 23 air traffic controllers who operate within the region, catering to several employer types. Given Metairie's cost-of-living index at 90.3, controllers' purchasing power remains robust, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite the increase in air traffic controller pay nationwide. To maximize their earning potential, individuals should seek positions in federal FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities, as these often yield higher wages than smaller airport towers or contracted services. Factors driving the pay scale include work facility level, certification status, and supplemental pay opportunities such as shift differentials and overtime. With ongoing staffing challenges post-sequester, controllers can negotiate better terms and enhance their income effectively while working toward full CPC status in a thriving aviation sector in Metairie, LA.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
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 $128,230 for air traffic controllersin the Metairie 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 Metairie 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