Norman vs Oklahoma City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Norman, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norman, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,851 | $150,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.80 | $72.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,374 | $86,302▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,629 | $118,622▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,169▲ | $166,051 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,080▲ | $190,370 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norman.
The salary gap between Norman and Oklahoma City is $13,435 (9.82%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.05% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norman spans $119,706,Oklahoma City spans $104,068. Norman 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, Oklahoma City ($166,231 effective) pays 7.99% more than Norman ($153,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,080)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,286/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,231)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Norman grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Norman, OK
$115,330 (2024) → $133,422 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$116,110 (2020) → $146,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norman, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Norman or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norman and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Norman to Oklahoma City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Norman vs Oklahoma 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