Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Paragould, AR: $71,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Paragould, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Paragould's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,922 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,741) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Paragould, Arkansas, the starting salary in 2026 is projected at $71,190. While this figure represents entry-level pay, it’s essential to recognize this is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $122,741. However, new graduates can expect a positive growth trajectory as they move through their first few years—progressing from the entry-level rate to $89,442 and eventually reaching the median salary as they gain experience. Given the current hiring environment and growth rate of 2.57% annually for this position within the region, Paragould presents a viable market for new grads entering the air traffic control field.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Paragould
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 Paragould
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Paragould, AR typically start between $71,190 and $89,442 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,032 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,741 — 19.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Arkansas of $22,000 represents just 30.90% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($71,190/year) in Paragould. 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 Paragould
- 1Research the Paragould market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $71,190 to $89,442, 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 Paragould, 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 Paragould for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Paragould'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 Paragould is $107,032 ( 150.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,222.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,476
2025 BLS Actual
$69,406
2026 Current Est.
$71,190
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,175 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,019 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Paragould, AR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,476 in 2019 to $69,406 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,019. New graduates entering the Paragould job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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 Paragould
In terms of employment opportunities, organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively recruit new air traffic controllers through public hiring announcements targeting candidates under 31 unless they are military veterans. Candidates with a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience can enter the field, particularly through the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships. While the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Paragould may seem modest, individuals who successfully complete training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and facility-specific training can see substantial salary increases. Federal employees working as controllers are on the FG pay scale, and career progression can lead to significant earnings in top-tier en route facilities. New controllers should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials and consider strategies for moving into higher-paying positions, especially given the chronic staffing shortages that have led to increased overtime opportunities across facilities.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Paragould in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Paragould?
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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 Paragould. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould 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