Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $167,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Vicksburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,470/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Vicksburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $195,414 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, the projected senior air traffic controller pay for 2026 reveals a compelling opportunity for those with extensive experience in the field. The highest tier of salaries in this sector can reach as much as $167,470 annually (P90), while top earners at the P75 level can expect approximately $156,907. This showcases a significant disparity compared to the median salary of $124,975, highlighting the experience premium that comes with advanced roles in air traffic control. To achieve these top-tier pay levels, professionals typically need to demonstrate not only several years of experience—often over seven—but also mastery in specialized skills and responsibilities that set them apart in a competitive job market.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vicksburg
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Vicksburg earn between $156,907 and $167,470 per year (2026 est.). This $94,984 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Vicksburg median of $124,975 sits 17.72% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Vicksburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,975 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,907 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,470 | $221,151 |
In Vicksburg, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 34.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Vicksburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $124,975 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Vicksburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Vicksburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,907–$167,470 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg 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 Mississippi 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 Vicksburg
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedVicksburg ranks #13 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $167,470).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Vicksburg ($167,470) is 7.95% above the Mississippi average P90 ($155,135).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,521
2025 BLS Actual
$163,274
2026 Current Est.
$167,470
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,521 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,729 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,774 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Vicksburg saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $133,521 in 2019 to $163,274 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 $171,774 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
When analyzing the factors contributing to the senior air traffic controller salary in Vicksburg, it's clear specialization is key. Those who focus on en route and radar operations are positioned at the highest pay tier, while others in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) or military air traffic control follow closely. Employment type further influences compensation, with FAA en route centers generally offering higher salaries than terminal facilities or military positions. Career advancement paths such as transitioning from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond can lead to lucrative roles, like traffic management coordinator or ATC manager. To excel in these leadership positions, obtaining advanced credentials and being part of the FAA Academy’s rigorous training program is essential. Additionally, non-salary factors such as shift differentials and locality pay add complexity to overall compensation, making these senior positions even more attractive in the context of Vicksburg, MS.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Vicksburg in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Vicksburg?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Vicksburg?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Vicksburg?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Vicksburg?
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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 $163,274 for air traffic controllers in the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg 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