Air Traffic Controller Salary in La Vergne, TN: $133,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in La Vergne, TN earns a median $133,165/year (≈ $64.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in La Vergne's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $145,060 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, TN, air traffic controllers earn a median annual salary of $133,165, which is about 12.33% lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this area extends from $77,235 at the 10th percentile up to $187,549 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the economic conditions and regional price adjustments in La Vergne. With a few controllers currently employed locally, the job market for air traffic control positions appears stable, and aspiring professionals may find it a viable option to consider amidst the broader aviation industry.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,235 | $37.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,350 | $46.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,165 | $64.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,043 | $81.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,549 | $90.17 |
Median Salary Position
12.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Vergne
In La Vergne, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,314 (2026 est.). At $133,165, the local median is 12.33% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Vergne: You'd be above the median
How La Vergne Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
La Vergne median: $133,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Vergne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,439 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -12.33% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in La Vergne, TN earn a median of $133,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $139,439.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Vergne 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.
La Vergne, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,165 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,060 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,831
2025 BLS Actual
$129,828
2026 Current Est.
$133,165
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,345 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,587 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Vergne metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $107,831 (2019) to $129,828 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,587 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,756 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Vergne 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) | $77,235 – $96,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,350 – $133,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,165 – $169,043 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,043 – $187,549 |
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 La Vergne
Employment prospects for air traffic controllers in La Vergne hinge on several factors, including the limited local workforce of just eight currently employed in this profession. The cost-of-living index of 91.8 also plays a significant role, suggesting that take-home pay affords a relatively comfortable lifestyle, albeit lower than in higher-cost urban areas. Among various employers, the FAA's en route centers are likely to offer the most competitive compensation packages as controllers progress toward full CPC status. Maximizing earnings here involves strategically selecting facility types, as pay varies significantly across en route, terminal, and tower facilities. Understanding the benefits of overtime, shift differentials, and locality pay can further enhance overall income potential. Given the chronic staffing shortages in the ATC field, controllers should leverage these factors to negotiate the best possible compensation in La Vergne.
More salary data for La Vergne, 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 $129,828 for air traffic controllersin the La Vergne 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 La Vergne 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