Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $122,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Little Rock, AR earns a median $122,556/year (≈ $58.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Little Rock's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $141,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in North Little Rock, AR is projected to reach a median of $122,556, which is significantly lower than the national median of $151,886. Salary ranges for controllers in this region fall between $71,082 at the 10th percentile to $182,574 at the 90th percentile. These figures, primarily derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the earnings potential within this distinct job market. For those pursuing a career in this field, it typically takes 1 to 3 years to achieve full pay following CPC certification, with a developmental pay scale that allows for progressive earnings growth as one gains experience and qualifications.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,082 | $34.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,240 | $42.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,556 | $58.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,872 | $75.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,574 | $87.78 |
Median Salary Position
19.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Little Rock
In North Little Rock, AR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,492 (2026 est.). At $122,556, the local median is 19.31% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Little Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Little Rock Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Little Rock median: $122,556/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $125,698 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.31% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $122,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.31% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Arkansas state average of $125,698.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Little Rock 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.
North Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,556 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,240
2025 BLS Actual
$119,485
2026 Current Est.
$122,556
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,695 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,851 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,485 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,240 (2019) to $119,485 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,465 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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) | $71,082 – $88,240 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,240 – $122,556 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,556 – $156,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,872 – $182,574 |
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 North Little Rock
The local air traffic control job market in North Little Rock is characterized by a relatively small group of 15 employed controllers, making competition for positions a factor in salary negotiation. The area’s cost-of-living index stands at 86.9, indicating that overall expenses are below the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for professionals here. Major employers include the FAA’s Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities, which generally offer better compensation compared to smaller airport traffic control towers. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include facility levels, Certification Pay (CPC status), shift differentials, and the abundance of mandatory overtime due to staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize air traffic controller pay in North Little Rock, seeking opportunities at higher-tier facilities or pursuing overtime assignments can significantly increase overall earnings, especially in a market that, although somewhat constrained, remains essential for federal air traffic operations.
More salary data for North Little Rock, 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 $119,485 for air traffic controllersin the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock 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