Air Traffic Controller Salary in Birmingham, AL: $123,642 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $4,121 above the Alabama state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Birmingham spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$76,500

$-8,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$126,000

$-14,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$171,000

$-19,000 vs national

Percentile	Birmingham	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$73,800	$71,340	$82,000
25th Percentile	$97,200	$93,960	$108,000
Median (50th)	$123,642	$119,521	$137,380
75th Percentile	$157,500	$152,250	$175,000
90th Percentile	$178,200	$172,260	$198,000

Percentile

Birmingham

10th Percentile

$73,800

25th Percentile

$97,200

Median (50th)

$123,642

75th Percentile

$157,500

90th Percentile

$178,200

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Birmingham

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Birmingham, AL? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Birmingham? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Birmingham earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Birmingham's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼

Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Birmingham? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Birmingham, Alabama