Chesterfield vs Kansas City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Chesterfield, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesterfield, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,874 | $165,856▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.84 | $79.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,227 | $88,005▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,109 | $129,731▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,271 | $185,990▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,252 | $204,278▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesterfield.
The salary gap between Chesterfield and Kansas City is $30,982 (22.97%). Kansas City's median is +9.20% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesterfield spans $108,025,Kansas City spans $116,273. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($179,220 effective) pays 19.06% more than Chesterfield ($150,529 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesterfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,856/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,278)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $179,220)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Chesterfield grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Chesterfield, MO
$111,000 (2024) → $131,495 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$133,040 (2019) → $161,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesterfield, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Chesterfield or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesterfield and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Chesterfield to Kansas City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Chesterfield vs Kansas 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