Tennessee Median
$157,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$75.64
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#13 of 43
590 employed here
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Tennessee?
Air Traffic Controllers in Tennessee take home a median of $157,330 annually — roughly $75.64 an hour — which runs 6% above the national median of $148,080.
Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $98,300 while the top 10% make $198,790 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $120,000 and $178,630 a year.
Air Traffic Controller salary range in Tennessee
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $98,300 | $47.26 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $120,000 | $57.69 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $157,330 | $75.64 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $178,630 | $85.88 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $198,790 | $95.57 |
|
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 13th out of 43 states and territories for Air Traffic Controller pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Air Traffic Controller salary in other states
Virginia $191,820Illinois $181,560Georgia $178,420Colorado $177,380Minnesota $176,840Texas $170,080Washington $162,570California $160,080Kansas $159,700Indiana $158,810Hawaii $158,700Utah $158,310New Mexico $148,550Florida $147,530New York $144,960Connecticut $140,940Nevada $140,920Arizona $136,800Pennsylvania $132,350New Jersey $132,230Maryland $131,290North Carolina $129,230Kentucky $127,800Rhode Island $126,300Massachusetts $125,060Alaska $123,950Oklahoma $123,220Missouri $122,200Michigan $118,930Alabama $114,960South Carolina $112,030Nebraska $111,710Arkansas $109,760Vermont $109,140North Dakota $107,990Maine $107,270Montana $101,380Louisiana $99,810Wyoming $93,580Iowa $90,790Mississippi $88,110District of Columbia $47,760
Working as an Air Traffic Controller in Tennessee
Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($157,330) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Tennessee?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Tennessee is $157,330 per year, or about $75.64 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $98,300 at the entry level to $198,790 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Air Traffic Controllers about 6% more than the national median of $148,080. Tennessee ranks 13th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Yes on pay — Tennessee pays above the national median for this occupation, at $157,330 a year. About 590 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Tennessee. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Air Traffic Controller salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.