Transportation & Logistics Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median air traffic controller salary in Lafayette, LA is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$120,894
vs State Avg
$-4,122
vs National
$-16,486
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $4,122 below the Louisiana state average of $125,016. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Lafayette 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. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $72,160
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $120,894
75th Percentile $154,000
90th Percentile $174,240

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$134,632
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$126,390
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$118,147
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$116,773
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Lafayette earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Lafayette's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $125,016. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Lafayette 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 Lafayette? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Lafayette 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.