📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$115,021
per year
Median
$109,958
per year
Hourly
$55.3
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$64,018
25th Percentile — Junior$82,776
50th Percentile — Median$109,958
75th Percentile — Senior$124,981
90th Percentile — Top Earners$140,869
💡 Top-earning Air Traffic Controllers in Kentucky make up to $140,869 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$101.7k
2021
$104.2k
2022
$106.8k
2023
$109.5k
2024
$112.2k
2025
$115.0k
2026
📈 Air Traffic Controller salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Air Traffic Controller Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $96,618 -16.0% High
Lexington $96,618 -16.0% High
🔍
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Air Traffic Controllers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $115,021 per year, Kentucky's Air Traffic Controller salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $64,018–$82,776, while experienced Air Traffic Controllers can command $124,981–$140,869.

Looking ahead, the Air Traffic Controller profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Air Traffic Controller salary in Kentucky is $115,021 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $138,580.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Air Traffic Controllers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Air Traffic Controller employment.
  • At $115,021/year, Kentucky Air Traffic Controller salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $138,580/year.