Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jackson, TN: $140,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Jackson, TN earns a median $140,670/year (≈ $67.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $153,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Jackson, TN, the economics of overtime significantly influence compensation, with many working 50 to 60-hour weeks in chronically understaffed facilities. The projected 2026 median annual salary stands at $140,670, which is about 7.38% lower than the national median of $151,886. Controller salaries in Jackson range from $81,588 at the 10th percentile to $199,880 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect a competitive pay structure within the context of high operational demands. Even with the rigorous nature of the job, Jackson's market promises opportunities for skilled professionals, making it a compelling destination for air traffic controllers.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,588 | $39.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,282 | $48.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,670 | $67.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,058 | $86.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,880 | $96.10 |
Median Salary Position
7.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,292 (2026 est.). At $140,670, the local median is 7.38% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be above the median
How Jackson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Jackson median: $140,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,415 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.38% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Jackson, TN earn a median of $140,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $139,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,670 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,235 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,908
2025 BLS Actual
$137,145
2026 Current Est.
$140,670
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,235 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,908 (2019) to $137,145 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,377 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $81,588 – $101,282 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,282 – $140,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,670 – $180,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,058 – $199,880 |
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 Jackson
The local job market features 16 air traffic controllers, demonstrating a niche yet vital presence in Jackson. With a cost-of-living index at 91.8, the purchasing power for individuals in this role is relatively favorable compared to many urban centers. While the pay can vary widely depending on factors such as facility type and certification levels, roles within FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, followed by terminal facilities and control towers. Factors like shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and locality pay can significantly enhance earnings. To maximize compensation in Jackson, controllers should seek employment at higher-tier en route facilities and take advantage of available overtime opportunities, particularly during staffing shortages, while pursuing certifications that elevate their salary scale within the FAA's pay structure.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
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 $137,145 for air traffic controllersin the Jackson 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 Jackson 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