Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $200,996 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Jacksonville, FL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,996/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Jacksonville's price premium (BEA RPP 99.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,039 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$200,996
Top 10% Earn
$96.63/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$193,139
75th Percentile
$200,996
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Jacksonville, FL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Jacksonville, FL air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Jacksonville, FL, experienced air traffic controllers can anticipate substantial earnings as they advance in their careers. The top air traffic controller salary in Jacksonville is projected to reach $200,996 in 2026, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $193,139. This positions Jacksonville's highest earners notably above the national median of $151,886, signifying a strong local market for senior professionals. The median annual salary for experienced controllers in the city sits at $174,492, highlighting a significant experience premium that reflects both the complex skills and leadership capabilities required to attain such high compensation. Senior positions not only require proficiency in air traffic control but also a commitment to ongoing training and specialization, key factors to achieve top-tier pay.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Jacksonville. The median salary is $174,492, compared to the national median of $151,886.$83.9K$115.7K$147.5K$179.3K$211.0K$93.2K10th Pctl$138.2K25th Pctl$174.5KMedian$193.1K75th Pctl$201.0K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Jacksonville earn between $193,139 and $200,996 per year (2026 est.). This $107,750 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jacksonville median of $174,492 sits 14.88% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Jacksonville metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelJacksonvilleNational
Median (P50)$174,492$151,886
75th Percentile$193,139$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$200,996$221,151

In Jacksonville, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 15.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Jacksonville

1

Advanced Certifications in Florida

FL air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $174,492 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jacksonville employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Jacksonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $193,139–$200,996 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jacksonville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Jacksonville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Air Traffic Controllers in Florida who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Jacksonville

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$93,246 – $174,492

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$174,492 – $193,139

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$193,139+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Jacksonville ranks #78 of 81 Florida cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $200,996).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Jacksonville ($200,996) is 6.13% below the Florida average P90 ($214,114).

2019 BLS Actual

$162,250

2025 BLS Actual

$195,960

2026 Current Est.

$200,996

2019–2027 Growth

+27.1%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jacksonville (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Jacksonville. Baseline $162,250 in 2025, projected to $206,162 by 2027.$153.5K$168.8K$184.2K$199.6K$214.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$162.3K$169.7K$171.3K$174.5K$183.2K$192.3K$196.0K$201.0K$206.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$162,250Actual
2020$169,660Actual
2021$171,350Actual
2022$174,510Actual
2023$183,160Actual
2024$192,300Actual
2025$195,960Actual
2026(current)$200,996Estimated
2027$206,162Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Jacksonville saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $162,250 in 2019 to $195,960 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $206,162 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Jacksonville

Senior roles are often marked by specialization, with particular fields commanding premium pay in Jacksonville’s air traffic control sector. Those proficient in en route or radar traffic management typically see the highest compensation, closely followed by positions in terminal radar (TRACON) and tower operations. The disparity in compensation across employer types is noteworthy; for example, FAA en route centers and TRACONs frequently offer superior salaries compared to smaller FAA contract towers or military ATC roles, which follow a separate career trajectory. Advancement within the profession also offers lucrative potential, with many controllers progressing from developmental roles to certified professional controllers, eventually stepping into management positions such as traffic management coordinators and ATC facility managers. Certification and continuous education are vital, as they not only boost pay but also open doors to more advanced responsibilities. In Jacksonville, the combination of specialized skills, superior job performance, and a solid understanding of the FAA structures can lead to substantial financial rewards, ensuring that those at the top end of the pay scale thrive in a challenging yet rewarding career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Jacksonville in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Jacksonville (90th percentile) make $200,996/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $26,504 more than the area median of $174,492 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Jacksonville?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Jacksonville is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Jacksonville?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Jacksonville include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $174,492, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Jacksonville?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Jacksonville is $200,996, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Jacksonville?

In Jacksonville, the gap between entry level ($93,246) and top earners ($200,996) is $107,750, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $195,960 for air traffic controllers in the Jacksonville metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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

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