Air Traffic Controller Salary in Belton, MO: $128,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Belton, MO earns a median $128,667/year (≈ $61.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Belton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $143,602 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Belton, Missouri, the compensation for an air traffic controller is projected to reach a median annual salary of $128,667 in 2026. This figure positions Belton's pay structure lower than the national median of $151,886, highlighting a variance of about 15.29%. The salary range for local air traffic controllers spans from approximately $74,627 at the 10th percentile to $172,745 at the 90th percentile, with estimates reflecting adjustments based on both state-level data and regional economic factors. As air traffic controllers may work across various facility tiers, such as en route versus terminal or tower facilities, understanding these distinctions is crucial for job seekers in the area.
About the Belton Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,627 | $35.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,640 | $44.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,667 | $61.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,398 | $76.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,745 | $83.05 |
Median Salary Position
15.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belton
In Belton, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,118 (2026 est.). At $128,667, the local median is 15.29% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Belton: You'd be above the median
How Belton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Belton median: $128,667/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Belton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,155 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.29% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Belton, MO earn a median of $128,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.50% below the Missouri state average of $136,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Belton has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Belton, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $128,667 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,602 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,189
2025 BLS Actual
$125,443
2026 Current Est.
$128,667
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Belton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,189 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,974 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Belton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $104,189 (2019) to $125,443 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,974 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,785 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belton 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) | $74,627 – $92,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,640 – $128,667 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,667 – $159,398 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,398 – $172,745 |
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 Belton
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Belton remains competitive, with only six controllers currently employed, which is indicative of tighter opportunities within the regional labor pool. The cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting a more affordable environment compared to the national average, thereby potentially enhancing purchasing power for local salaries. Controllers in Belton may find better compensation at FAA en route centers, which typically pay more than terminal and tower facilities. Factors such as the facility level, certification status, and available shift differentials will significantly influence salaries. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring controllers should consider working towards CPC certification and seek positions at higher-tier facilities if possible. Overtime opportunities and strategic shifts can also contribute substantially to overall pay, given the chronic staffing challenges faced by the FAA.
More salary data for Belton, MO:
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 $125,443 for air traffic controllersin the Belton 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 Belton 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