Benton vs Little Rock: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Benton, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,092 | $131,452▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.18 | $63.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,394 | $76,242▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,627 | $94,645▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,326 | $168,258▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,834 | $194,840▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 51▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $8,360 (6.79%). Little Rock's median is -13.45% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $100,440,Little Rock spans $118,598. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($151,268 effective) pays 6.79% more than Benton ($141,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,452/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,840)
- ✓Larger job market (51 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,268)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Benton grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$91,943 (2024) → $120,008 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$97,950 (2021) → $128,158 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Benton or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Benton to Little Rock as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Benton vs Little Rock?
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