Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laurel, MS: $120,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Laurel, MS earns a median $120,384/year (≈ $57.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $140,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Laurel, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $120,384. This compensation represents a considerable gap when contrasted with the national median of $151,886, making it approximately 20.74% lower. The salary range for air traffic controllers in this area spans from $70,109 at the 10th percentile to as much as $163,852 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS data and reflect local economic conditions, including a cost of living index of 85.7, which is below the national average. The landscape for air traffic controller pay in Laurel reveals a steady demand for skilled professionals as controllers complete the required CPC certification, which typically takes 1-3 years to achieve full pay.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,109 | $33.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,374 | $42.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,384 | $57.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,515 | $72.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,852 | $78.77 |
Median Salary Position
20.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,743 (2026 est.). At $120,384, the local median is 20.74% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be above the median
How Laurel Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Laurel median: $120,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,145 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -20.74% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel, MS earn a median of $120,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $130,145.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel 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.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $120,384 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,471 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,482
2025 BLS Actual
$117,368
2026 Current Est.
$120,384
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,887 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,478 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $97,482 (2019) to $117,368 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,478 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,996 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $70,109 – $88,374 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,374 – $120,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,384 – $150,515 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,515 – $163,852 |
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 Laurel
On the ground, six air traffic controllers currently work in Laurel, MS, reflecting a niche job market within the area. With a cost of living index at 85.7, the financial dynamics can enhance take-home purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to national averages. The primary employers in the region include FAA control towers and potentially nearby regional centers, impacting overall pay structures. Controllers at en route facilities generally receive higher compensation, with pay differentials for operational roles, including opportunities for overtime. To boost earnings in Laurel, controllers can strategically seek additional shifts, tap into available overtime, and benefit from shift differentials, especially during weekends and holidays. Given the ongoing staffing challenges in air traffic control, particularly in the context of mandatory retirement ages, the local market remains competitive for those looking to excel in their careers.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 $117,368 for air traffic controllersin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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