Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wichita, KS: $82,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,158 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,383 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,651) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in air traffic control starting their careers in Wichita, Kansas, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $82,158. This amount sits notably below the city’s median salary of $141,651, indicating a potential growth pathway for those just beginning. The entry-level salary provides a foundation to build upon, with realistic prospects to progress towards $101,988 within the first few years. This trajectory aligns with the sector's expected annual growth rate of 2.57%, reflecting a robust market environment for air traffic controllers. New grads in Wichita are entering a promising field that not only offers room for advancement but also contributes to the workforce sustainability in an era marked by staffing challenges in the aviation industry.
About the Wichita Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Wichita, KS typically start between $82,158 and $101,988 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,202 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,651 — 6.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Kansas of $28,000 represents just 34.08% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,158/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,158 to $101,988, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $133,202 ( 162.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,158, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,360.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,793
2025 BLS Actual
$80,099
2026 Current Est.
$82,158
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,318 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,099 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,269 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,793 in 2019 to $80,099 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,269. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
For those seeking to secure entry-level positions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively recruits new graduates through public bid windows and partnerships with accredited universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Individuals must be under 31 years old, except for military veterans who have alternative routes for entry. A strong educational background—either a bachelor’s degree or several years of progressive work experience—alongside successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) can significantly enhance job prospects and starting pay. New controllers undergo initial qualification training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training. In the first few years, those navigating early career stages can expect to steadily increase their earnings, especially if they secure positions at high-priority en route centers. The potential for overtime and additional pay incentives often leads to total compensations that exceed expectations, reinforcing Wichita as a viable market for new grad air traffic controller pay in Kansas.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Wichita in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wichita 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