Transportation & Logistics Tampa, FL Pop. 384,959

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tampa, Florida

The median air traffic controller salary in Tampa, FL is $137,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 2.0% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$137,380
vs State Avg
+$2,748
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Tampa offers a median air traffic controller salary of $137,380, which is $2,748 above the Florida state average of $134,632. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Tampa pays above average for this role.

Tampa's cost of living is 100% 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 Tampa spans from $82,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $116,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,000, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,000. With a population of 384,959, Tampa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tampa by Experience

In Tampa, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $85,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tampa, FL

Percentile Tampa
10th Percentile $82,000
25th Percentile $108,000
Median (50th) $137,380
75th Percentile $175,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Florida Cities

Miami, FL
$162,108
Pop. 442,241
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$157,987
Pop. 182,760
Orlando, FL
$140,128
Pop. 307,573
Jacksonville, FL
$130,511
Pop. 949,611

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Tampa

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Tampa

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Tampa, FL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tampa

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Tampa, FL? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Tampa, Florida is $137,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $82,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Tampa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,380, a air traffic controller in Tampa earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tampa compare to the Florida state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Tampa's median air traffic controller salary of $137,380 is 2.0% above the Florida state average of $134,632. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tampa, FL? ▼
Tampa has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $137,380 in Tampa 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 Tampa? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Tampa 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.