Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gulfport, MS: $102,365 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Gulfport, MS earns a median $102,365/year (≈ $49.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Gulfport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.0), that paycheck buys what $113,731 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 21.4% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, the 2026 median air traffic controller salary reaches $102,365, offering a competitive compensation package within the framework of federal pay scales. This figure sits significantly below the national median of $151,886, illustrating the disparity that exists in various regions across the United States. The salary range for air traffic controllers in Gulfport spans from $63,152 at the 10th percentile to $136,008 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a range of incomes that reflect differing levels of experience and responsibility. Emphasizing the importance of facility types, controllers at en route Level 12 facilities tend to earn more compared to their terminal and tower counterparts, which is an essential consideration for those looking into this career within Gulfport's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,152 | $30.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,415 | $37.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,365 | $49.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,212 | $55.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,008 | $65.39 |
Median Salary Position
32.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
In Gulfport, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,856 (2026 est.). At $102,365, the local median is 32.6% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gulfport: You'd be above the median
How Gulfport Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Gulfport median: $102,365/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gulfport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,235 | -21.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -32.60% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gulfport, MS earn a median of $102,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.60% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 21.40% below the Mississippi state average of $130,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gulfport has a cost of living 9.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gulfport, MS has a cost-of-living index of 90.006 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $102,365 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,731 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,890
2025 BLS Actual
$99,800
2026 Current Est.
$102,365
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,365 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gulfport metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $82,890 (2019) to $99,800 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,106 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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) | $63,152 – $78,415 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,415 – $102,365 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,365 – $116,212 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,212 – $136,008 |
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 Gulfport
In examining the local job market, Gulfport employs around 50 air traffic controllers, all navigating a context driven by a cost of living index that measures at 90.006—below the national average of 100. This lower index could enhance the purchasing power for controllers, making the salary more attractive relative to living expenses in the area. Opportunities for higher earners largely arise within FAA en route centers, where salaries are bolstered by locality pay, shift differentials, and abundant overtime resulting from chronic staffing shortages. Controllers at terminal facilities and ATCTs may see more modest pay due to the different tiers established by the FG pay scales. Maximizing earnings in Gulfport involves seeking additional certifications, such as the CPC designation and considering shift work that offers pay premiums, as well as engaging in overtime as it often leads to increased take-home income. Navigating these factors strategically can position controllers for higher pay in this regional job market.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
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 $99,800 for air traffic controllersin the Gulfport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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