Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Topeka, KS: $77,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,783 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,570 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,108) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering careers in air traffic control in Topeka, KS, the entry-level air traffic controller salary is projected to start at around $77,783 in 2026. This initial pay reflects a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $134,108. In the early years of employment, newcomers can expect their earnings to progress as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level salary through the 25th percentile at $97,021 and approaching the median salary within three to five years. Given the steady growth projected in the field, Topeka represents a reasonable market for aspiring air traffic controllers, providing opportunities for recent graduates to establish a solid foundation in their careers.
About the Topeka Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Topeka, KS typically start between $77,783 and $97,021 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,946 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,108 — 11.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Kansas of $28,000 represents just 36.00% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,783/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,783 to $97,021, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $124,946 ( 160.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,783, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,729.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,077
2025 BLS Actual
$75,834
2026 Current Est.
$77,783
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,678 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,782 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,077 in 2019 to $75,834 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,782. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
A few key players in Topeka are responsible for hiring entry-level controllers, primarily the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which conducts recruiting through various pathways. New graduates may enter through "off-the-street" hiring announcements, provided they meet the age criteria, or through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select educational institutions. Additionally, military veterans may find opportunities to transition into these positions more seamlessly via the Veterans Recruitment Authority. To boost starting pay, candidates should focus on meeting credential requirements such as becoming a U.S. citizen, achieving a bachelor's degree or maintaining three years of progressive work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. The early years in this profession often involve the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where paid training leads to certification, and career advancement hinges on performance and experience. The growth potential in this sector can be significant, particularly for dedicated individuals willing to navigate the challenges of chronic understaffing in facilities, making this a prime time to pursue a career in air traffic control in Topeka.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Topeka 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