Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hays, KS: $124,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hays, KS earns a median $124,364/year (≈ $59.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $136,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers working in Hays, Kansas, can expect a median salary of $124,364 annually, which is notably lower than the national benchmark of $151,886. The salary range for this role within Hays spans from $74,866 at the 10th percentile to $172,112 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. While the compensation in Hays reflects regional economic factors, such as a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the prospects for upward mobility exist, especially for those willing to invest time in gaining Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, which typically takes 1-3 years and significantly impacts salary potential.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,866 | $35.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,167 | $44.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,364 | $59.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,159 | $75.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,112 | $82.74 |
Median Salary Position
18.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,246 (2026 est.). At $124,364, the local median is 18.12% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be above the median
How Hays Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hays median: $124,364/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $132,868 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.12% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hays, KS earn a median of $124,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $132,868.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays 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.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $124,364 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$100,704
2025 BLS Actual
$121,248
2026 Current Est.
$124,364
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,704 (2019) to $121,248 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,856 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $74,866 – $93,167 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,167 – $124,364 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,364 – $157,159 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,159 – $172,112 |
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 Hays
There are currently five air traffic controllers employed in Hays, KS, a market characterized by a lower-than-national average cost of living that offers a more favorable take-home pay compared to other regions. The facilities in Hays may employ controllers in various capacities, with positions varying in pay depending on responsibility and certification levels. The highest salaries are typically found at FAA en route centers due to their complexity and traffic management requirements. Factors influencing salary differences include shift differentials that reward night and weekend work, as well as overtime opportunities arising from chronic shortages in staffing. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing CPC certification early, considering roles at higher-paying facilities, and being open to overtime shifts can significantly enhance financial rewards in this unique job market.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Hays, KS in 2026?
Is Hays, KS a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Hays?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Hays?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Hays?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $121,248 for air traffic controllersin the Hays 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 Hays 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