Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $124,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hattiesburg, MS earns a median $124,196/year (≈ $59.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hattiesburg's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $144,919 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hattiesburg, MS, air traffic controllers receive a median annual salary of $124,196 in 2026, a figure that illustrates the significant earnings potential in this field, despite being below the national median of $151,886. The pay range for controllers in the area spans from $72,034 to $174,377, influenced by factors such as facility type and experience level. Controllers working in FAA en route centers, which are typically categorized as Level 12 facilities, generally command higher salaries compared to their peers in terminal and tower operations. With the local figures based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost variations, Hattiesburg's air traffic controller market offers competitive pay relative to the area's overall employment landscape.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,034 | $34.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,740 | $43.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,196 | $59.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,610 | $75.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,377 | $83.83 |
Median Salary Position
18.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,343 (2026 est.). At $124,196, the local median is 18.23% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hattiesburg: You'd be above the median
How Hattiesburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hattiesburg median: $124,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hattiesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,184 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.23% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $124,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Mississippi state average of $130,184.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hattiesburg 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.
Hattiesburg, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $124,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,919 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,568
2025 BLS Actual
$121,084
2026 Current Est.
$124,196
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,644 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,857 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,388 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,568 (2019) to $121,084 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,388 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,820 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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) | $72,034 – $89,740 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,740 – $124,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,196 – $157,610 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,610 – $174,377 |
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 Hattiesburg
With only seven air traffic controllers currently working in Hattiesburg, the job market shows some limitations in scale; however, this can be advantageous for those seeking personalized career development. The cost of living index stands at 85.7, indicating a moderate living expense, which can enhance the purchasing power of the salaries earned. Among the employers in the region, FAA facilities, including en route centers and airport towers, represent the largest payroll contributors. The variation in air traffic controller pay here often stems from the level of facility and certifications held, such as the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. Controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing additional training for CPC certification, looking for opportunities to work shifts during weekends and holidays, and being open to overtime, all of which can lead to higher compensation in this niche job market.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, 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 $121,084 for air traffic controllersin the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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