Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $73,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Jonesboro, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,876 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jonesboro's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,013 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,372) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Jonesboro, the projected entry-level salary offers a competitive start. New graduates will find that the starting air traffic controller salary in Jonesboro is expected to be approximately $73,876 in 2026, which is notably lower than the overall median annual salary of $127,372 for the area. Graduates can anticipate a career trajectory that allows for salary increases as they gain experience, moving towards the P25 figure of $91,708, which would enhance their earnings within the first few years. Given the steady demand for air traffic controllers, Jonesboro represents a viable job market for new grads, particularly considering the growth in salaries paired with a favorable cost of living index of 86.9 compared to the national average.
About the Jonesboro Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jonesboro
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jonesboro
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Jonesboro, AR typically start between $73,876 and $91,708 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,999 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,372 — 16.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Arkansas of $22,000 represents just 29.78% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($73,876/year) in Jonesboro. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Jonesboro
- 1Research the Jonesboro market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $73,876 to $91,708, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jonesboro, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Jonesboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jonesboro's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Jonesboro is $112,999 ( 152.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,876, experienced hygienists can earn up to $186,875.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,758
2025 BLS Actual
$72,025
2026 Current Est.
$73,876
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,025 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,775 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Jonesboro, AR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,758 in 2019 to $72,025 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,775. New graduates entering the Jonesboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Jonesboro
In terms of career opportunities, the FAA is the primary employer for new air traffic controllers in Jonesboro and recruits through various channels, including off-the-street hiring announcements and partnerships within the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Those interested in this profession must meet several requirements, including citizenship and an age limit typically under 31, unless they are military veterans. It is crucial for candidates to complete the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. For new air traffic controllers in their first few years, the FG pay scale reflects federal employment standards, with the potential for significant advancement as controllers gain certifications and experience. Positions in higher-tier en route facilities can yield considerably higher earnings, reaching between $130,000 and $180,000 plus overtime, illustrating a clear growth potential for dedicated new grads operating in a market still working through staffing challenges since 2013.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Jonesboro in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Jonesboro?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Jonesboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jonesboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov