Air Traffic Controller Salary

Little Rock vs Rogers: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Little Rock, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Little Rock, AR
$131,452
$63.19/hr
Rogers, AR
$126,427
$60.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLittle Rock, ARRogers, AR
Median Salary$131,452$126,427
Hourly Rate$63.19$60.78
Entry Level (P10)$76,242$73,327
25th Percentile$94,645$91,027
75th Percentile$168,258$161,827
Top Earner (P90)$194,840$183,566
Total Employed5111
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Little Rock ($131,452) and Rogers ($126,427) air traffic controller salaries.Little RockRogersMedian Salary$131,452$126,427Entry Level (P10)$76,242$73,327Top Earner (P90)$194,840$183,566US Median $151,886

Verdict

Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rogers.

The salary gap between Little Rock and Rogers is $5,025 (3.97%). Little Rock's median is -13.45% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $118,598,Rogers spans $110,239. Little Rock has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Little Rock
P10 (Entry)$76,242
P25$94,645
Median$131,452
P75$168,258
P90 (Top)$194,840
Rogers
P10 (Entry)$73,327
P25$91,027
Median$126,427
P75$161,827
P90 (Top)$183,566

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($151,268 effective) pays 3.97% more than Rogers ($145,486 effective).

Little Rock
Nominal: $131,452
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $151,268
Rogers
Nominal: $126,427
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $145,486

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Little Rock if…

  • Higher median salary ($131,452/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($194,840)
  • Larger job market (51 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,268)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Rogers if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Little Rock grew 30.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Rogers over the same period.

Little Rock, AR

+30.8%

$97,950 (2021) → $128,158 (2025)

Rogers, AR

+30.5%

$94,434 (2024) → $123,259 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Little Rock or Rogers?

Little Rock has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $131,452/year, compared to Rogers at $126,427/year — a difference of $5,025 (3.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Rogers?

Little Rock air traffic controllers earn $63.19/hr while Rogers hygienists earn $60.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Little Rock to Rogers as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Little Rock and Rogers. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Little Rock = $151,268, Rogers = $145,486), job availability (51 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Little Rock vs Rogers?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $76,242 in Little Rock and $73,327 in Rogers. The Little Rock area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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