Transportation & Logistics New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median air traffic controller salary in New Orleans, LA is $134,632 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$134,632
vs State Avg
+$9,616
vs National
$-2,748
Cost of Living
98%

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

New Orleans offers a median air traffic controller salary of $134,632, which is $9,616 above the Louisiana state average of $125,016. Compared to the national median of $137,380, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $80,360 at the 10th percentile to $194,040 at the 90th percentile — a $113,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,200. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $83,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$137,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,200
$-3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $80,360
25th Percentile $105,840
Median (50th) $134,632
75th Percentile $171,500
90th Percentile $194,040

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$126,390
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$120,894
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$118,147
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$116,773
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open air traffic controller positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $134,632 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $80,360 (10th percentile) to $194,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,632, a air traffic controller in New Orleans earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
New Orleans's median air traffic controller salary of $134,632 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $125,016. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $134,632 in New Orleans 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 New Orleans? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in New Orleans 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.