Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $157,987 (2026)

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

Fort Lauderdale offers a median air traffic controller salary of $157,987, which is $23,355 above the Florida state average of $134,632. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $157,987 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fort Lauderdale spans from $94,300 at the 10th percentile to $227,700 at the 90th percentile — a $133,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $97,750, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,500. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $97,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$97,750

+$12,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$161,000

+$21,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$218,500

+$28,500 vs national

Percentile	Fort Lauderdale	FL State	National
10th Percentile	$94,300	$80,360	$82,000
25th Percentile	$124,200	$105,840	$108,000
Median (50th)	$157,987	$134,632	$137,380
75th Percentile	$201,250	$171,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$227,700	$194,040	$198,000

Percentile

Fort Lauderdale

10th Percentile

$94,300

25th Percentile

$124,200

Median (50th)

$157,987

75th Percentile

$201,250

90th Percentile

$227,700

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $157,987 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $94,300 (10th percentile) to $227,700 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $157,987, a air traffic controller in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Fort Lauderdale's median air traffic controller salary of $157,987 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $134,632. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $157,987 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most air traffic controller positions in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, Florida