Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, TN: $229,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Franklin, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $229,508/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $250,009 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior air traffic controllers in Franklin, Tennessee, can attain lucrative salaries, especially as top earners push the limits of the compensation spectrum, with projections suggesting a high potential of $229,508 in 2026. This level of remuneration not only exceeds the national median of $151,886 but also highlights the extensive experience premium in Franklin’s market—a considerable gap exists between the median annual salary of $157,616 and the earnings of those at the top tier. Achieving such elevated pay typically requires a combination of broad expertise, specialization in high-demand areas like en route or radar operations, and a track record of leadership within the air traffic control framework.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $201,749 and $229,508 per year (2026 est.). This $138,090 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $157,616 sits 3.77% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $157,616 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,749 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $229,508 | $221,151 |
In Franklin, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $157,616 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $201,749–$229,508 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Tennessee 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 Franklin
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #3 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $229,508).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Franklin ($229,508) is 9.86% above the Tennessee average P90 ($208,916).
2019 BLS Actual
$182,982
2025 BLS Actual
$223,757
2026 Current Est.
$229,508
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $182,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $191,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,585 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,757 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $229,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $235,406 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $182,982 in 2019 to $223,757 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 $235,406 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In terms of specialized roles commanding higher salaries in Franklin, those focused on en route and radar facilities usually see significant financial rewards, reflecting the complexities of managing high-altitude traffic. Similarly, terminal radar and tower controllers can expect competitive compensation, influenced by the nature of their work and the type of facility they operate in. FAA en route centers and large TRACONs typically present the highest earning potential, while military ATC personnel transitioning to civilian roles can also find rewarding positions. The pathway to senior roles in air traffic control often involves progress through various certifications—from developmental controller to certified professional controller and beyond. Advanced credentials can enhance earning capabilities, and additional factors such as shift differentials and overtime can significantly elevate overall income, particularly in a market characterized by recurrent staffing needs.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Franklin?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Franklin?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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 $223,757 for air traffic controllers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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