St. Joseph vs St. Louis: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between St. Joseph, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Joseph, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,481▲ | $130,910 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.61▲ | $62.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,158 | $94,980▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,266 | $113,094▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,479▲ | $151,322 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,919▲ | $171,087 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 140▲ |
Verdict
St. Joseph, MO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Joseph and St. Louis is $5,571 (4.26%). St. Joseph's median is -10.14% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Joseph spans $112,761,St. Louis spans $76,107. St. Joseph 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, St. Joseph ($152,323 effective) pays 10.64% more than St. Louis ($137,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,919)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,323)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in St. Joseph grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
St. Joseph, MO
$112,321 (2024) → $133,061 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$105,540 (2019) → $127,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Joseph, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: St. Joseph or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Joseph and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from St. Joseph to St. Louis as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in St. Joseph vs St. Louis?
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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