Air Traffic Controller Salary in Southaven, MS: $128,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Southaven, MS earns a median $128,045/year (≈ $61.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Southaven's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $149,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Southaven, Mississippi, can expect a median annual salary of $128,045, reflecting the local economic conditions and comparative wages. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $74,266 while experienced controllers can earn up to $180,098. These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional prices, illustrate the financial landscape of Southaven's air traffic control field. As candidates navigate their timelines for Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification, which generally spans 1 to 3 years, they can anticipate a gradual increase in pay as they progress from developmental roles to full certification, influencing their long-term compensation outlook in this growing job market.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,266 | $35.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,634 | $44.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,045 | $61.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,548 | $77.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,098 | $86.59 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southaven
In Southaven, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,832 (2026 est.). At $128,045, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southaven: You'd be above the median
How Southaven Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Southaven median: $128,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,127 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.70% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Southaven, MS earn a median of $128,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $130,127.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southaven 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.
Southaven, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $128,045 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,411 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,685
2025 BLS Actual
$124,837
2026 Current Est.
$128,045
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,336 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southaven metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $103,685 (2019) to $124,837 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,651 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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) | $74,266 – $92,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,634 – $128,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,045 – $161,548 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,548 – $180,098 |
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 Southaven
With 14 air traffic controllers currently employed in Southaven, the local job market remains relatively stable, although it presents some financial challenges due to the area's cost of living index of 85.7. This lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of air traffic controller salaries in Southaven, making it an attractive location for new hires. Among local employers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities typically pay the most, particularly FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. The pay disparity can be influenced by factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and potential overtime opportunities; en route centers, for instance, often offer higher base pay compared to airport towers. To maximize earnings in Southaven, controllers should consider pursuing CPC certification expediently, seeking positions at higher-paying facilities, and taking advantage of overtime to significantly boost their total compensation.
More salary data for Southaven, 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 $124,837 for air traffic controllersin the Southaven 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 Southaven 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