Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Houma, LA: $172,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Houma, LA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,214/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Houma's price premium (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $190,713 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, senior air traffic controllers in Houma, Louisiana, can expect to see their annual salaries significantly shaped by their experience and expertise. The top earners in this field, achieving a salary at the 90th percentile, can earn as much as $172,214, while those at the 75th percentile can expect around $156,565. This presents a considerable gap when compared to the median salary of $125,542 for this occupation in the region. Such figures reflect the extensive knowledge and skills required to reach these top-tier pay levels in a city where competition for senior positions may be compounded by the advantages offered at larger en route facilities. Advancing to these higher pay brackets typically requires years of experience, specialization, and possibly a move to facilities that control high-altitude air traffic, as well as a proven track record in leadership roles.
About the Houma Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houma
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Houma earn between $156,565 and $172,214 per year (2026 est.). This $99,076 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Houma median of $125,542 sits 17.34% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Houma | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,542 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,565 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,214 | $221,151 |
In Houma, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Houma
Advanced Certifications in Louisiana
LA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $125,542 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Houma employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Houma command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,565–$172,214 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Houma metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Houma with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Louisiana 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 Houma
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHouma ranks #13 of 20 Louisiana cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $172,214).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Houma ($172,214) is 9.99% below the Louisiana average P90 ($191,331).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,303
2025 BLS Actual
$167,899
2026 Current Est.
$172,214
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,891 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,640 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Houma saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $137,303 in 2019 to $167,899 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 $176,640 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Houma
In Houma, certain specializations hold the potential to command premium salaries for experienced air traffic controllers. Positions associated with en route and radar operations typically yield the highest compensation. Controllers working in FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach facilities play critical roles in managing vast airspaces and may find their senior air traffic controller pay in LA significantly higher than in other areas. The varied compensation across different employer types—including military, FAA contract towers, and Department of Defense civilian ATC—also illustrates the importance of the work setting. To climb the career ladder, controllers often progress from developmental roles to higher positions such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor. Additional credentials, including CPC certification and specialized training, enhance earning potential. It’s essential for controllers to stay informed about ongoing market demands and seek advancement opportunities, given the chronic understaffing in the field post-2013, which often results in abundant overtime and incentive pay.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Houma in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Houma?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Houma?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Houma?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Houma?
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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
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 $167,899 for air traffic controllers in the Houma 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
Salary data for Houma 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