Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbus, MS: $122,401 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Columbus, MS earns a median $122,401/year (≈ $58.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $142,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Columbus, Mississippi, can anticipate a median annual salary of $122,401, significantly below the national median of $151,886. This salary reflects a range from $70,993 at the 10th percentile to $163,081 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the variation in compensation based on experience and specific job roles. Effective compensation often stems from the reality of working 50-60 hour weeks at understaffed facilities, which can bolster earnings through overtime. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local costs, which suggest a below-average cost of living in Columbus compared to the national standard, influencing the overall compensation landscape for air traffic controllers in the region.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,993 | $34.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,351 | $44.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,401 | $58.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,861 | $72.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,081 | $78.40 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,088 (2026 est.). At $122,401, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Columbus median: $122,401/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,214 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.41% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Columbus, MS earn a median of $122,401 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $130,214.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,401 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,825 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% 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
$99,115
2025 BLS Actual
$119,334
2026 Current Est.
$122,401
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,102 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,616 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,401 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,115 (2019) to $119,334 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,432 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $70,993 – $92,351 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,351 – $122,401 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,401 – $150,861 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,861 – $163,081 |
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 Columbus
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Columbus is relatively concentrated, with only six professionals currently employed in this field. This limited number highlights competitive dynamics and potential opportunities for those entering the profession, especially considering the cost of living index in the area is 85.7, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. Most controllers in Columbus may find employment through FAA terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) or small towers, with positions in en route facilities or military ATC likely offering higher pay. The substantial pay range is influenced by factors such as facility level, certification status, and shift differentials that apply to various roles. Controllers looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing certifications and taking advantage of overtime and night shifts, which often come with additional compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Columbus, MS in 2026?
Is Columbus, MS a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Columbus?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Columbus?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 $119,334 for air traffic controllersin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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