Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salina, KS: $128,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Salina, KS earns a median $128,528/year (≈ $61.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Salina's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $141,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, prospective air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $128,528 as of 2026. This figure reflects a local compensation landscape shaped by regional pricing adjustments and the specific tier of facilities, including en route Level 12, terminal Level 11, and tower Level 7. The overall salary range for air traffic controllers in this area extends from $75,437 at the 10th percentile to $176,331 at the 90th percentile. While this median is significantly lower than the national average of $151,886, it highlights the implications of working at different facility levels, influencing compensation based on the complexity and responsibilities associated with each role, particularly in a market like Salina that employs a small number of controllers.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,437 | $36.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,025 | $45.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,528 | $61.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,302 | $77.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,331 | $84.77 |
Median Salary Position
15.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
In Salina, KS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,894 (2026 est.). At $128,528, the local median is 15.38% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salina: You'd be above the median
How Salina Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Salina median: $128,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $132,777 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.38% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Salina, KS earn a median of $128,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.38% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $132,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salina 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.
Salina, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $128,528 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,395 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
$104,076
2025 BLS Actual
$125,308
2026 Current Est.
$128,528
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,076 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,912 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,832 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salina metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $104,076 (2019) to $125,308 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,832 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,756 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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) | $75,437 – $95,025 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,025 – $128,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,528 – $160,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,302 – $176,331 |
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 Salina
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Salina consists of 11 professionals, a figure reflecting the challenges and opportunities present in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, controllers in this region can find their purchasing power somewhat cushioned compared to larger metropolitan areas. Employers that often offer higher salaries include FAA en route centers, capturing high-altitude traffic, while terminal and tower facilities typically provide lower wages due to differing operational demands. Variability in pay is further driven by facility tiering, CPC certification levels, and available overtime, which is prevalent given staffing constraints. For individuals seeking to maximize air traffic controller pay in Salina, pursuing developmental pay opportunities, working during peak hours, and securing desirable shifts can substantially enhance earnings potential in a historically understaffed and evolving job market.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Salina, KS in 2026?
Is Salina, KS a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Salina?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Salina?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Salina?
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 $125,308 for air traffic controllersin the Salina 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 Salina 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