Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tennessee
Based on 190+ workers in Tennessee
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$40,180
$19.32/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-29.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$18K – $65K
190 employed in Tennessee
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17,910 |
| 25th percentile | $18,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $40,180 |
| 75th percentile | $64,320 |
| 90th percentile | $65,440 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,860 |
| 2023 | $39,420 |
| 2024 | $45,630 |
| 2025 | $40,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,180 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,860 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $39,420 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $45,630 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $40,180 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,180 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $18,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $40,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $65,440 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Air Traffic Controller ($40,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in TN | $143,580 | +257.3% | $69.03/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in TN | $74,470 | +85.3% | $35.80/hr |
| Electrician in TN | $61,090 | +52.0% | $29.37/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | +45.8% | $28.17/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in TN | $50,290 | +25.2% | $24.18/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in TN | $47,240 | +17.6% | $22.71/hr |
| Construction Laborer in TN | $45,000 | +12.0% | $21.63/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TN | $39,570 | -1.5% | $19.02/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | -3.6% | $18.62/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in TN | $41,920 | +4.3% | $20.15/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TN | $37,990 | -5.5% | $18.26/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in TN | $42,830 | +6.6% | $20.59/hr |