Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO: $132,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cape Girardeau, MO earns a median $132,023/year (≈ $63.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cape Girardeau's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $147,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Cape Girardeau is projected to reach a median annual figure of $132,023, highlighting a unique compensation structure when compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this area varies considerably, from $77,489 at the 10th percentile to $181,782 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations, indicate a competitive salary framework for air traffic controllers in Cape Girardeau. However, prospective controllers should be aware that transitioning from developmental to certified professional controller (CPC) status typically spans 1-3 years, impacting early career earnings. With just six controllers employed locally, the job market can be quite specialized, reflecting a tighter labor pool.
About the Cape Girardeau Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,489 | $37.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,020 | $47.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,023 | $63.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,060 | $79.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,782 | $87.40 |
Median Salary Position
13.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cape Girardeau
In Cape Girardeau, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,293 (2026 est.). At $132,023, the local median is 13.08% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Cape Girardeau: You'd be above the median
How Cape Girardeau Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cape Girardeau median: $132,023/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cape Girardeau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,106 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.08% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $132,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $136,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cape Girardeau 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.
Cape Girardeau, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $132,023 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,347 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,906
2025 BLS Actual
$128,715
2026 Current Est.
$132,023
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,782 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,414 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cape Girardeau metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,906 (2019) to $128,715 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,510 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cape Girardeau 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) | $77,489 – $98,020 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,020 – $132,023 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,023 – $165,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,060 – $181,782 |
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 Cape Girardeau
In terms of local employment, the Cape Girardeau job market for air traffic controllers remains modest, yet stable, considering only six individuals currently hold this role. The cost-of-living index in Cape Girardeau is 89.6, suggesting that while salaries may seem lower than the national standard, the purchasing power is relatively preserved in this area. Employers such as FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities are likely to offer the highest pay, as these positions often provide better compensation than smaller FAA contract towers. The difference in wages can also stem from factors such as facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Strategies to maximize earnings in this space include seeking higher-tier terminals or en route centers and capitalizing on overtime opportunities, particularly given the FAA's ongoing staffing challenges. This localized compensation structure indicates that while Cape Girardeau may not lead in pay, it offers a reasonable balance between wages and living costs for air traffic controllers in MO.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, 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 $128,715 for air traffic controllersin the Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau 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