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Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Kentucky

Air Traffic Controllers in Kentucky earn a substantial average annual salary of $121,680, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,220. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized skills, critical responsibilities, and rigorous training required for this vital profession, alongside any specific regional demands or operational complexities within the state's airspace.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $121,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,480.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Air Traffic Controllers, Kentucky presents a focused employment landscape for this career. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable, albeit not overly saturated, job market where demand may consistently meet supply.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$121,680

The average Air Traffic Controllers in Kentucky earns+42.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.5

Weekly

$2,340

Monthly

$10,140

Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Kentucky

The salary trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers typically escalates with experience. Entry-level positions will command a lower wage, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight control experience and advanced certifications can expect to reach the higher end of the pay scale. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$71,140$34.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$91,260$43.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$126,550$60.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$152,100$73.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$165,480$79.6

Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$121,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$135,501

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average annual salary of $121,680 in Kentucky offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the local Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable in Kentucky than in many other parts of the country, allowing the high salary to stretch further.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

0.105

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kentucky has 0.72x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that Air Traffic Controller roles are somewhat less concentrated in Kentucky relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration of these specialized jobs, potentially offering a more accessible entry point or career advancement opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Air Traffic Controllers

CitySalaryDist.
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Air Traffic Controllers Salary$134,530↑ 11%100 mi

Comparing salaries near Kentucky

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Kentucky is $121,680. This typically ranges from $71,140 for entry-level positions to $165,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 42.8% higher than the national median of $85,220.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers?

Yes, Kentucky offers a lucrative environment for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the lower cost of living enhances the real value of this compensation.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($134,530) and others.

How does the Kentucky Air Traffic Controller salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Kentucky is $121,680, which is considerably higher than the national average of $85,220.

What is the Cost of Living in Kentucky compared to the national average?

Kentucky has a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100, indicating that it is more affordable to live in Kentucky.

Is the job market for Air Traffic Controllers strong in Kentucky?

With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the market is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable demand without extreme saturation.

How many Air Traffic Controllers are there in Kentucky?

There are approximately 210 Air Traffic Controllers employed within Kentucky.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.105 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 Kentucky