Transportation & Logistics Bowling Green, KY Pop. 74,735

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky

The median air traffic controller salary in Bowling Green, KY is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 3.4% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$115,399
vs State Avg
$-4,122
vs National
$-21,981
Cost of Living
84%

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

Bowling Green offers a median air traffic controller salary of $115,399, which is $4,122 below the Kentucky state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Bowling Green pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Bowling Green's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $115,399 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Bowling Green an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Bowling Green spans from $68,880 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $97,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bowling Green by Experience

In Bowling Green, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
$-30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bowling Green, KY

Percentile Bowling Green
10th Percentile $68,880
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $115,399
75th Percentile $147,000
90th Percentile $166,320

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Bowling Green

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Bowling Green and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Bowling Green may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Bowling Green

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bowling Green

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Bowling Green, KY? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $68,880 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Bowling Green? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,399, a air traffic controller in Bowling Green earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bowling Green compare to the Kentucky state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Bowling Green's median air traffic controller salary of $115,399 is 3.4% below the Kentucky state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY? ▼
Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $115,399 in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Bowling Green 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.