Jonesboro vs North Little Rock: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Jonesboro, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,372▲ | $122,556 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.23▲ | $58.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,876▲ | $71,082 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,708▲ | $88,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,037▲ | $156,872 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,875▲ | $182,574 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Little Rock.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and North Little Rock is $4,816 (3.93%). Jonesboro's median is -16.14% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $112,999,North Little Rock spans $111,492. Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro ($146,573 effective) pays 3.93% more than North Little Rock ($141,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,875)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,573)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Jonesboro grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$95,140 (2024) → $124,181 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$91,542 (2024) → $119,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Jonesboro or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jonesboro to North Little Rock as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Jonesboro vs North 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