Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $124,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Vicksburg, MS earns a median $124,975/year (≈ $60.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Vicksburg's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $145,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Vicksburg, Mississippi, show a competitive landscape driven by factors such as overtime pay and the need for staffing at local facilities. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $124,975, which, while robust, reflects a notable disparity when compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in Vicksburg spans from $72,486 at the 10th percentile to $167,470 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating that effective compensation can often be higher due to overtime requirements, as many controllers are working 50-60 hour weeks in understaffed situations. This reality underscores the necessity for Vicksburg to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled air traffic controllers in the face of ongoing national staffing challenges.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,486 | $34.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,983 | $43.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,975 | $60.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,907 | $75.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,470 | $80.52 |
Median Salary Position
17.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vicksburg
In Vicksburg, MS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,984 (2026 est.). At $124,975, the local median is 17.72% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Vicksburg: You'd be above the median
How Vicksburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Vicksburg median: $124,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vicksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $130,183 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -17.72% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Vicksburg, MS earn a median of $124,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $130,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vicksburg 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.
Vicksburg, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $124,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,828 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,199
2025 BLS Actual
$121,844
2026 Current Est.
$124,975
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,313 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,187 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vicksburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $101,199 (2019) to $121,844 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,187 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,988 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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) | $72,486 – $89,983 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,983 – $124,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,975 – $156,907 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,907 – $167,470 |
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 Vicksburg
In the small labor market of Vicksburg, there are currently six air traffic controllers employed, creating a unique dynamic in terms of job stability and salary growth. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing power of air traffic controller pay in Vicksburg, MS, becomes particularly relevant; this translates to a more favorable environment for controllers compared to locations with higher living costs. Among local employers, the FAA's en route centers typically offer the highest compensation, particularly for certified professional controllers (CPCs) with necessary certifications and experience. Key influencers on pay variation within Vicksburg include facility level distinctions, CPC status, and the prevalence of overtime, especially given the chronic staffing shortages that have persisted in the aftermath of past budget cuts. For those aiming to maximize their pay in this area, pursuing CPC certification, seeking positions in high-tier facilities when possible, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities will be crucial strategies for long-term financial benefits in their careers as air traffic controllers.
More salary data for Vicksburg, 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 $121,844 for air traffic controllersin the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg 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