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Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Alabama

Air Traffic Controllers in Alabama earn an impressive average annual salary of $115,750, significantly surpassing the national average of $85,220. This elevated compensation in Alabama can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specialized nature of the role, the critical responsibility involved in managing airspace, and potentially regional demand dynamics that necessitate higher pay to attract and retain qualified professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $115,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $156,980.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Air Traffic Controllers and a Location Quotient of 0.76, Alabama presents a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. While not a hub for the profession, the existing workforce indicates a stable demand for these essential personnel, suggesting a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for skilled air traffic controllers within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$115,750

The average Air Traffic Controllers in Alabama earns+35.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55.7

Weekly

$2,226

Monthly

$9,646

Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Alabama

Salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers is strongly tied to experience and demonstrated proficiency. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with years of service and advanced certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder, rewarding dedication and expertise with substantial pay increases.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$78,020$37.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$86,813$41.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$112,740$54.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$144,688$69.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$156,980$75.5

Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$115,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$131,385

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average annual salary of $115,750 in Alabama offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.1, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates into a higher real income, allowing Air Traffic Controllers to enjoy a better standard of living and greater financial flexibility compared to their counterparts in more expensive regions.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.111

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Alabama has 0.76x the national average concentration of Air Traffic Controllers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

An Alabama Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that Air Traffic Controllers are employed in the state at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately concentrated in Alabama compared to other states. The job market is therefore likely to be moderately competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps fewer than in states with a higher concentration of aviation activity.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Alabama is $115,750. This typically ranges from $78,020 for entry-level positions to $156,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 35.8% higher than the national median of $85,220.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers?

Yes, Alabama offers a lucrative environment for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $115,750 significantly exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living further enhances the financial benefits of working in the state.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Alabama's Air Traffic Controller salary compare to the national average?

Air Traffic Controllers in Alabama earn an average of $115,750 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $85,220.

What is the cost of living in Alabama relative to the national average?

Alabama's Cost of Living Index is 88.1, meaning it is approximately 11.9% cheaper to live in Alabama than the national average (indexed at 100).

How many Air Traffic Controllers are there in Alabama?

There are approximately 230 Air Traffic Controllers employed within Alabama.

Is the job market for Air Traffic Controllers growing in Alabama?

While the Location Quotient suggests a slightly lower concentration than the national average, the presence of 230 professionals indicates a stable demand, though rapid growth is not explicitly indicated by this data.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 0.111 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama