Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cabot, AR: $120,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cabot, AR earns a median $120,889/year (≈ $58.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cabot's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $139,113 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median air traffic controller salary in Cabot, Arkansas, reaches $120,889 per year. This figure reflects local estimates based on BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, and it falls significantly short of the national median salary of $151,886. The salary range in Cabot extends from $70,116 at the 10th percentile to $171,967 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant earnings variation depending on experience and facility type. With the timeline to attain CPC certification typically ranging from one to three years, new controllers enter the field at a developmental pay scale, which enhances the local hiring landscape as individuals progress towards full salary potential.
About the Cabot Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,116 | $33.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,040 | $41.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,889 | $58.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,500 | $74.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,967 | $82.67 |
Median Salary Position
20.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cabot
In Cabot, AR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,851 (2026 est.). At $120,889, the local median is 20.41% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cabot: You'd be above the median
How Cabot Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cabot median: $120,889/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cabot Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $125,664 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -20.41% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cabot, AR earn a median of $120,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.41% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Arkansas state average of $125,664.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cabot has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cabot, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $120,889 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,113 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,890
2025 BLS Actual
$117,860
2026 Current Est.
$120,889
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cabot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,344 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cabot metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $97,890 (2019) to $117,860 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,106 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cabot 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,116 – $87,040 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,040 – $120,889 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,889 – $154,500 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,500 – $171,967 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Cabot
The job market for air traffic controllers in Cabot shows a modest presence, with only four professionals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index in the area is relatively low at 86.9, suggesting that the salaries, while lower than the national average, may afford better purchasing power to residents compared to more expensive regions. Among potential employers, the FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically offer higher salaries than airport traffic control towers, given their greater responsibility in managing complex airspace. Factors influencing pay disparity include varying facility levels, certification status, and shift differentials, such as a 10% increase for night shifts or a substantial holiday premium. To maximize their earnings within the Cabot market, controllers should focus on enhancing their skills, seeking transfers to higher-tier facilities, and being flexible with scheduling to take advantage of overtime and shift incentives.
More salary data for Cabot, AR:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $117,860 for air traffic controllersin the Cabot metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cabot 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