Air Traffic Controller Salary in Paragould, AR: $122,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Paragould, AR earns a median $122,741/year (≈ $59.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $141,244 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, AR, the projected median annual air traffic controller salary for 2026 is $122,741, showcasing a significant earning potential within the field. With a salary range of $71,190 at the 10th percentile and up to $178,222 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local conditions based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living. While aviation jobs in the area may not reach the high-end compensation of top-tier en route facilities, the potential for growth in this sector remains strong. The complexity of air traffic management here allows for various roles, with pay structures influenced by the tier of facilities, namely en route, terminal, and tower levels.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,190 | $34.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,442 | $43.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,741 | $59.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,109 | $75.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,222 | $85.69 |
Median Salary Position
19.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,032 (2026 est.). At $122,741, the local median is 19.19% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Paragould median: $122,741/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $125,631 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.19% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $122,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $125,631.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,741 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,244 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,390
2025 BLS Actual
$119,666
2026 Current Est.
$122,741
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
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 | $99,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,853 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,681 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,666 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,390 (2019) to $119,666 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,506 (26.67%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,190 – $89,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,442 – $122,741 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,741 – $157,109 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,109 – $178,222 |
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 Paragould
Looking deeper into the employment context in Paragould, only seven air traffic controllers are currently working in the area, contributing to a relatively specialized job market. The local cost-of-living index is 86.9, which means that salaries stretch further than in higher-cost regions. Most lucrative positions are typically found at FAA en route centers, and the distributed pay varies significantly based on facility tiers, certification status, and personnel shift assignments. Controllers often benefit from overtime and shift differentials, which can enhance their take-home income substantially. To maximize air traffic controller pay in Paragould, pursuing CPC certification and taking advantage of available overtime are strategic moves in a market that values salary growth driven by enhanced qualifications and demand for staffing.
More salary data for Paragould, 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 $119,666 for air traffic controllersin the Paragould 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 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