Air Traffic Controller Salary in Morristown, TN: $138,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Morristown, TN earns a median $138,066/year (≈ $66.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Morristown's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $150,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Morristown, Tennessee, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $138,066, reflecting the local economy's adjustments. This figure falls within a full salary range from $80,078 to $190,424, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. While this compensation may seem lower than the national median of $151,886, factors such as the local cost of living can make it competitive for professionals in the area. Aspiring controllers in Morristown, particularly those entering through the FAA Academy or military pipelines, can anticipate reaching full pay in about 1 to 3 years. With the FAA's focus on developmental controllers, those starting at a lower pay scale have room to grow, driving interest in positions essential to maintaining air traffic efficiency in this region.
About the Morristown Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,078 | $38.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,408 | $47.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,066 | $66.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,124 | $83.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,424 | $91.55 |
Median Salary Position
9.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Morristown
In Morristown, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,346 (2026 est.). At $138,066, the local median is 9.1% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Morristown: You'd be above the median
How Morristown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Morristown median: $138,066/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Morristown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,461 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.10% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Morristown, TN earn a median of $138,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Tennessee state average of $139,461.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Morristown 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.
Morristown, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,066 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,399 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,800
2025 BLS Actual
$134,607
2026 Current Est.
$138,066
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Morristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,615 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Morristown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,800 (2019) to $134,607 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,615 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,815 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Morristown 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) | $80,078 – $99,408 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,408 – $138,066 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,066 – $173,124 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,124 – $190,424 |
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 Morristown
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Morristown is relatively small, with only six controllers currently employed. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that the affordability of the area can enhance purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to the national average. Among the employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest pay, especially those categorized as Level 12 facilities, compared to terminal and tower operations. Variations in salary are influenced by factors such as the level of certification (CPC versus developmental), facility type, and the availability of overtime shifts, which have become increasingly crucial amidst staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, controllers should consider seeking opportunities in higher-tier facilities and taking advantage of night and holiday shift differentials, as well as pursuing additional overtime work to boost overall compensation in Morristown, TN.
More salary data for Morristown, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Morristown, TN in 2026?
Is Morristown, TN a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Morristown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Morristown?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Morristown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $134,607 for air traffic controllersin the Morristown 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 Morristown 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