Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dodge City, KS: $125,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dodge City, KS earns a median $125,664/year (≈ $60.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dodge City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $138,244 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Dodge City, Kansas, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $125,664. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $151,886, reflecting the salary range from $72,885 at the 10th percentile to $174,722 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parities, indicate that while the base salaries may appear modest, many controllers in this area can enhance their earnings through overtime. Due to staffing shortages that have persisted amid national trends, controllers often find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, substantially boosting their overall compensation. As a result, prospective air traffic controllers looking at Dodge City can see an opportunity to maximize their pay, especially given the area's unique labor dynamics.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,885 | $35.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,478 | $43.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,664 | $60.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,142 | $76.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,722 | $84.00 |
Median Salary Position
17.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
In Dodge City, KS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,837 (2026 est.). At $125,664, the local median is 17.26% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dodge City: You'd be above the median
How Dodge City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dodge City median: $125,664/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dodge City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $132,837 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -17.26% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dodge City, KS earn a median of $125,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Kansas state average of $132,837.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dodge City 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.
Dodge City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $125,664 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,244 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,757
2025 BLS Actual
$122,515
2026 Current Est.
$125,664
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,757 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,496 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,515 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,893 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dodge City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $101,757 (2019) to $122,515 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,893 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,136 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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) | $72,885 – $90,478 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,478 – $125,664 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,664 – $158,142 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,142 – $174,722 |
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 Dodge City
Employment levels in Dodge City remain low, with only five air traffic controllers currently in the area. This limited number speaks to potential competition for positions among applicants in a context where the cost of living index stands at 90.9, suggesting that take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost regions. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation, especially for those nearing the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. However, controllers must navigate a series of factors influencing pay, including facility types, shift differentials, and the prevalence of overtime. Facilities classified at Level 12 generally pay more than Level 7 towers, while those who are eligible for evening and weekend shifts can accrue significant additional income. As Dodge City continues to face staffing challenges, strategic approaches such as pursuing CPC certification or seeking overtime opportunities can prove advantageous for controllers aiming to boost their earnings in the long run.
More salary data for Dodge City, 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 $122,515 for air traffic controllersin the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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