Belton vs St. Louis: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Belton, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Belton, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,667 | $130,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.86 | $62.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,627 | $94,980▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,640 | $113,094▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,398▲ | $151,322 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,745▲ | $171,087 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 140▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Belton.
The salary gap between Belton and St. Louis is $2,243 (1.74%). St. Louis's median is -13.81% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Belton spans $98,118,St. Louis spans $76,107. Belton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Belton ($143,602 effective) pays 4.31% more than St. Louis ($137,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Belton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,745)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,602)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,910/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Belton grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Belton, MO
$105,891 (2024) → $125,443 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$105,540 (2019) → $127,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Belton, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Belton or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Belton and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Belton to St. Louis as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Belton vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov