verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kentucky

Median Annual in Kentucky
$127,800/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$61.44/hr
▼ 14% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Kentucky

groups Employed in KY
230
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$141,750 #16 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in Kentucky, explained

Air traffic controllers in Kentucky earn a median of $127,800 per year ($61.44 per hour), which is 14% below the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $66,150, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $168,650. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Kentucky.

Is $127,800 good pay in Kentucky?

Adjusted for Kentucky's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $127,800 is worth about $141,750 in national buying power — ranking Kentucky #16 for real pay (vs #24 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in Kentucky

Entry level (10th pct)
$66,150
$31.80/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$127,800
$61.44/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$168,650
$81.08/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs KY
Kentucky (here) $127,800 $141,750
Virginia $191,820 $189,725 −$64,020
Illinois $181,560 $181,636 −$53,760
Indiana $158,810 $170,161 −$31,010
Tennessee $157,330 $171,253 −$29,530
Missouri $122,200 $134,556 +$5,600

Air Traffic Controller in Kentucky: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in Kentucky?

Air traffic controllers in Kentucky earn a median of $127,800 per year ($61.44 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does Kentucky pay air traffic controllers well?

At $127,800, Kentucky pays 14% below the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 230 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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