Air Traffic Controller Salary in Miami, FL: $162,108 (2026)

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

Miami offers a median air traffic controller salary of $162,108, which is $27,476 above the Florida state average of $134,632. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Miami pays above average for this role.

However, Miami's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $162,108 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Miami should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Miami spans from $96,760 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $136,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,200. With a population of 442,241, Miami is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Miami by Experience

In Miami, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $100,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$100,300

+$15,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$165,200

+$25,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$224,200

+$34,200 vs national

Percentile	Miami	FL State	National
10th Percentile	$96,760	$80,360	$82,000
25th Percentile	$127,440	$105,840	$108,000
Median (50th)	$162,108	$134,632	$137,380
75th Percentile	$206,500	$171,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$233,640	$194,040	$198,000

Percentile

Miami

10th Percentile

$96,760

25th Percentile

$127,440

Median (50th)

$162,108

75th Percentile

$206,500

90th Percentile

$233,640

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Miami

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Miami

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

The median air traffic controller salary in Miami, Florida is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $96,760 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $162,108, a air traffic controller in Miami earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Miami's median air traffic controller salary of $162,108 is 20.4% above the Florida state average of $134,632. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Miami, FL? ▼

Miami has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $162,108 in Miami 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 Miami? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Miami 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 Miami, Florida