Broken Arrow vs Oklahoma City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Broken Arrow, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Broken Arrow, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,051 | $150,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.37 | $72.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,069 | $86,302▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,396 | $118,622▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,706▲ | $166,051 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,304▲ | $190,370 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Broken Arrow.
The salary gap between Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City is $12,235 (8.86%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.05% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Broken Arrow spans $123,235,Oklahoma City spans $104,068. Broken Arrow 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, Oklahoma City ($166,231 effective) pays 7.05% more than Broken Arrow ($155,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Broken Arrow if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,304)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,286/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,231)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Broken Arrow grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Broken Arrow, OK
$116,341 (2024) → $134,592 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$116,110 (2020) → $146,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Broken Arrow, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Broken Arrow or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Broken Arrow to Oklahoma City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Broken Arrow vs Oklahoma City?
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