Oklahoma City vs Sapulpa: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Sapulpa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Sapulpa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,286▲ | $127,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.25▲ | $61.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,302▲ | $73,861 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,622▲ | $96,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,051▲ | $161,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,370▲ | $178,288 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sapulpa.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Sapulpa is $22,940 (18.01%). 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 Oklahoma City spans $104,068,Sapulpa spans $104,427. Sapulpa 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, Oklahoma City ($166,231 effective) pays 16.05% more than Sapulpa ($143,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,370)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,231)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Sapulpa if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Oklahoma City grew 26.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Sapulpa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$116,110 (2020) → $146,520 (2025)
Sapulpa, OK
$107,320 (2024) → $124,155 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Sapulpa, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Oklahoma City or Sapulpa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Sapulpa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Sapulpa as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Oklahoma City vs Sapulpa?
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