Durant vs Tulsa: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Durant, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durant, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,411 | $140,172▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.77 | $67.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,219 | $81,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,689 | $100,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,157 | $179,421▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,927 | $214,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 102▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durant.
The salary gap between Durant and Tulsa is $13,761 (10.89%). Tulsa's median is -7.71% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durant spans $98,708,Tulsa spans $133,602. Tulsa 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, Tulsa ($157,674 effective) pays 10.89% more than Durant ($142,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durant if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,172/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,902)
- ✓Larger job market (102 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,674)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Durant grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Durant, OK
$106,532 (2024) → $123,244 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$98,850 (2019) → $136,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durant, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Durant or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durant and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Durant to Tulsa as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Durant vs Tulsa?
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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