Transportation & Logistics Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median air traffic controller salary in Gulfport, MS is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$112,652
vs State Avg
$-1,373
vs National
$-24,728
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median air traffic controller salary of $112,652, which is $1,373 below the Mississippi state average of $114,025. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $112,652 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Gulfport spans from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $95,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,800. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,700
$-15,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,800
$-25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,800
$-34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $67,240
25th Percentile $88,560
Median (50th) $112,652
75th Percentile $143,500
90th Percentile $162,360

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$116,773
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$115,399
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$114,025
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$109,904
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Gulfport, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $67,240 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,652, a air traffic controller in Gulfport earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Gulfport's median air traffic controller salary of $112,652 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $114,025. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $112,652 in Gulfport 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 Gulfport? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Gulfport 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.