Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kingsport, TN: $206,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Kingsport, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $206,305/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Kingsport's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,733 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingsport, Tennessee, the potential for top-tier earnings as an experienced air traffic controller is substantial, with projections indicating a 2026 P90 salary of $206,305 and a P75 of $177,414. This competitive pay landscape showcases a notable contrast with the 2026 median annual salary of $138,605, revealing the experience premium earned by seasoned professionals in the field. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires over seven years of dedicated service along with specific expertise in high-demand specialties. Controllers in Kingsport who successfully ascend to higher pay brackets often take on roles such as traffic management coordinator or those specializing in radar technology, distinctly separated from their less experienced counterparts in the industry.
About the Kingsport Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsport
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Kingsport earn between $177,414 and $206,305 per year (2026 est.). This $125,914 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kingsport median of $138,605 sits 8.74% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kingsport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,605 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,414 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $206,305 | $221,151 |
In Kingsport, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Kingsport
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,605 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kingsport employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Kingsport command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,414–$206,305 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kingsport 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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKingsport ranks #8 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $206,305).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Kingsport ($206,305) is 1.25% below the Tennessee average P90 ($208,916).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,484
2025 BLS Actual
$201,136
2026 Current Est.
$206,305
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,376 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $177,059 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,136 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $206,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,607 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Kingsport saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $164,484 in 2019 to $201,136 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 $211,607 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Senior air traffic controller pay in TN reflects various factors, including the type of facility in which an individual works. Those positioned at FAA en route centers, tasked with managing high-altitude air traffic, generally command the highest salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport towers. Specializations, such as military ATC roles and oceanic traffic management, can also lead to elevated compensation opportunities. Advancement paths within this career can include transitions from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), followed by supervisory or managerial roles. Moreover, maintaining relevant advanced credentials amplifies earning potential, with factors like shift differentials for weekend and holiday work contributing significantly to overall remuneration. In Kingsport, as with many other regions, the ongoing staffing challenges faced by the FAA have led to consistent overtime, further enhancing the financial rewards available to those at the senior level.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Kingsport in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Kingsport?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Kingsport?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Kingsport?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Kingsport?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $201,136 for air traffic controllers in the Kingsport 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 Kingsport 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