Transportation & Logistics Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Florida

The median air traffic controller salary in Florida is $134,632 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $137,380.

Median Salary
$134,632
vs National
$-2,748
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Air Traffic Controller Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for air traffic controller compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for air traffic controller pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $134,632 per year, air traffic controllers in Florida earn $2,748 less than the national median of $137,380.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning air traffic controller salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: air traffic controllers at the 10th percentile earn $80,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $194,040 — a $113,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $162,108.

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for air traffic controllers across the country.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $83,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,200 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$137,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,200
$-3,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $80,360
25th Percentile $105,840
Median (50th) $134,632
75th Percentile $171,500
90th Percentile $194,040

Air Traffic Controller Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for air traffic controllers in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Florida

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Florida has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook in Florida

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Florida's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Florida

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Florida? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Florida is $134,632 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $80,360 (10th percentile) to $194,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,632, a air traffic controller in Florida earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for air traffic controllers? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for air traffic controller pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level air traffic controllers earn $83,300, while senior professionals earn $186,200.
How does Florida compare to other states for air traffic controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for air traffic controllers is Hawaii at $233,546. Florida's median of $134,632 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($138,754) and Vermont ($138,754).
What is the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level air traffic controller in Florida earns approximately $83,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $137,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $186,200.
What city in Florida pays air traffic controllers the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for air traffic controllers, with a median salary of $162,108. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.