Kansas City vs St. Joseph: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,856▲ | $136,481 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.74▲ | $65.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,005▲ | $79,158 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,731▲ | $98,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,990▲ | $172,479 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,278▲ | $191,919 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Joseph.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Joseph is $29,375 (21.52%). 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 Kansas City spans $116,273,St. Joseph spans $112,761. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($179,220 effective) pays 17.66% more than St. Joseph ($152,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Kansas City grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$133,040 (2019) → $161,700 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$112,321 (2024) → $133,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Kansas City or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Joseph as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Kansas City vs St. Joseph?
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