Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$172,214
Top 10% Earn
$82.79/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$156,565
75th Percentile
$172,214
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Houma. The median salary is $125,542, compared to the national median of $151,886.$65.8K$94.6K$123.3K$152.1K$180.8K$73.1K10th Pctl$92.8K25th Pctl$125.5KMedian$156.6K75th Pctl$172.2K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

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

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelHoumaNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$73,138 – $125,542

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$125,542 – $156,565

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$156,565+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Houma 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 (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 Houma. Baseline $137,303 in 2025, projected to $176,640 by 2027.$129.4K$143.2K$157.0K$170.7K$184.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$137.3K$143.9K$144.8K$147.8K$156.5K$153.3K$167.9K$172.2K$176.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$137,303Actual
2020$143,891Actual
2021$144,833Actual
2022$147,800Actual
2023$156,514Actual
2024$153,333Actual
2025$167,899Actual
2026(current)$172,214Estimated
2027$176,640Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Houma (90th percentile) make $172,214/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $46,672 more than the area median of $125,542 — 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 Houma?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Houma 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 Houma?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Houma include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $125,542, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Houma?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Houma is $172,214, 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 Houma?

In Houma, the gap between entry level ($73,138) and top earners ($172,214) is $99,076, 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.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Louisiana

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 $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).

View estimation methodology

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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