Air Traffic Controller Salary in Covington, KY: $120,894 (2026)

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

Covington offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $1,373 above the Kentucky state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Covington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Covington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Covington an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Covington spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$123,200

$-16,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$167,200

$-22,800 vs national

Percentile	Covington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$72,160	$71,340	$82,000
25th Percentile	$95,040	$93,960	$108,000
Median (50th)	$120,894	$119,521	$137,380
75th Percentile	$154,000	$152,250	$175,000
90th Percentile	$174,240	$172,260	$198,000

Percentile

Covington

10th Percentile

$72,160

25th Percentile

$95,040

Median (50th)

$120,894

75th Percentile

$154,000

90th Percentile

$174,240

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Covington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Covington

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Covington, KY? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Covington, Kentucky is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $72,160 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Covington earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Covington compare to the Kentucky state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Covington's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 1.1% above the Kentucky state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Covington, KY? ▼

Covington has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Covington 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 Covington? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Covington 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 Covington, Kentucky