Air Traffic Controller Salary in Florida
Based on 2K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$57,650
$27.72/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
+1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $77K
2K employed in Florida
Air Traffic Controller salary in Florida averages $57,650 per year, positioning the state slightly ahead of the national average at 1% above. With approximately 2,320 workers employed in this critical aviation safety role, Florida's air traffic control sector remains a significant employer. Salaries in this field range from $37,490 to $77,290 annually, reflecting the variation in experience and specialization across the state's airports.
Several factors influence Air Traffic Controller salary in Florida, including facility type, years of experience, and certification level. Controllers working at major international hubs like Miami and Fort Lauderdale typically earn more than those at smaller regional airports. Additional compensation comes from shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and performance bonuses. The state's geographic location as a major aviation hub and its high volume of domestic and international traffic create competitive salary conditions for experienced professionals in this demanding field.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,490 |
| 25th percentile | $47,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,650 |
| 75th percentile | $72,230 |
| 90th percentile | $77,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in Florida tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $62,600 |
| 2025 | $57,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,650 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $62,600 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $57,650 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,650 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,290 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Air Traffic Controller ($57,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in FL | $225,020 | +290.3% | $108.18/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in FL | $75,790 | +31.5% | $36.44/hr |
| Electrician in FL | $57,250 | -0.7% | $27.52/hr |
| Plumber in FL | $52,910 | -8.2% | $25.44/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in FL | $48,260 | -16.3% | $23.20/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in FL | $46,060 | -20.1% | $22.14/hr |
| Construction Laborer in FL | $44,030 | -23.6% | $21.17/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in FL | $58,100 | +0.8% | $27.93/hr |
| Title Examiner in FL | $58,450 | +1.4% | $28.10/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in FL | $56,790 | -1.5% | $27.30/hr |
| Firefighter in FL | $58,550 | +1.6% | $28.15/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in FL | $58,740 | +1.9% | $28.24/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Florida?
- The median salary for air traffic controllers in Florida is $57,650 per year, or $28 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +1.2% difference compared to air traffic controllers across the United States.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers in Florida?
- Air traffic controller salaries in Florida range from $37,490 at the lower end to $77,290 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, certifications, and facility assignments across the state.
How many air traffic controllers work in Florida?
- There are approximately 2,320 air traffic controllers employed in Florida. This represents a significant workforce managing traffic at the state's major airports and facilities.
Is the air traffic controller salary in Florida higher than the national average?
- Yes, Florida's air traffic controller median salary of $57,650 is slightly higher than the national average, exceeding it by 1.2%. This makes Florida a competitive market for this profession compared to other states.