Transportation & Logistics Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median air traffic controller salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$120,894
vs State Avg
+$1,373
vs National
$-16,486
Cost of Living
88%

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

Tuscaloosa offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $1,373 above the Alabama state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Tuscaloosa spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $72,160
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $120,894
75th Percentile $154,000
90th Percentile $174,240

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$126,390
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$123,642
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$118,147
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$116,773
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $72,160 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Tuscaloosa 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.