Air Traffic Controller Salary in Derby, KS: $130,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Derby, KS earns a median $130,982/year (≈ $62.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $144,095 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for air traffic controllers in Derby, KS, is projected to be $130,982, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national average of $151,886. This figure represents a significant range of compensation, with salaries generally falling between $75,969 and $184,536 based on proficiency and experience. Notably, developmental controllers who have completed their CPC certification may take a few years to reach full pay, initially earning considerably less as they gain experience. Given the local employment of just four controllers in Derby, the salary figures are influenced by regional market conditions and the challenges posed by staff shortages in the industry.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,969 | $36.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,307 | $45.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,982 | $62.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,309 | $79.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,536 | $88.72 |
Median Salary Position
13.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,567 (2026 est.). At $130,982, the local median is 13.76% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be above the median
How Derby Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Derby median: $130,982/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $132,842 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.76% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Derby, KS earn a median of $130,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.76% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $132,842.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $130,982 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,095 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,063
2025 BLS Actual
$127,700
2026 Current Est.
$130,982
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,063 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,049 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,046 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,348 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,063 (2019) to $127,700 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,285 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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) | $75,969 – $94,307 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,307 – $130,982 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,982 – $166,309 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,309 – $184,536 |
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 Derby
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Derby is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this capacity. The cost of living index in Derby stands at 90.9, meaning that residents may have a slightly lower purchasing power compared to the national average, impacting their take-home pay and lifestyle. Employers in the area, primarily FAA facilities, typically offer varying pay scales based on the type of facility; for instance, en route centers tend to pay higher than airport towers. The disparity in salaries can also be influenced by several factors, including the level of certification, the ability to work high-demand shifts, and opportunities for overtime, which can significantly augment earnings. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Derby, strategies should include pursuing certification at en route facilities and taking advantage of the potential for overtime work, especially given the ongoing staffing challenges in the field.
More salary data for Derby, 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
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 $127,700 for air traffic controllersin the Derby 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 Derby 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