Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia, MO: $138,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Columbia, MO earns a median $138,281/year (≈ $66.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $154,331 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Columbia, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $138,281 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this occupation spans from $80,203 at the 10th percentile to $210,481 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust disparity based on experience and certification levels. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions and cost adjustments. While controllers working in en route facilities typically earn more, those in terminal and tower positions may find their compensation on the lower end. Columbia's job market currently employs 23 air traffic controllers, revealing limited local opportunities, which may factor into overall salary negotiations and career trajectories within the region.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,203 | $38.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,563 | $47.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,281 | $66.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,999 | $85.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,481 | $101.20 |
Median Salary Position
8.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,278 (2026 est.). At $138,281, the local median is 8.96% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Columbia median: $138,281/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,103 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.96% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Columbia, MO earn a median of $138,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $136,103.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia 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.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,281 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $154,331 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,973
2025 BLS Actual
$134,816
2026 Current Est.
$138,281
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,738 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,074 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,803 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,973 (2019) to $134,816 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,862 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $80,203 – $99,563 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,563 – $138,281 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,281 – $176,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,999 – $210,481 |
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 Columbia
The local air traffic controller pay in Columbia, MO, is influenced significantly by the area's relatively low cost-of-living index, which stands at 89.6, suggesting that purchasing power can stretch farther than in higher-cost regions. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers tend to pay more compared to terminal and tower facilities, contributing to the noticeable pay gradient based on facility type. Factors such as CPC certification status, experience level, shift differentials, and overtime play substantial roles in shaping individual compensation packages. Given the chronic understaffing issues plaguing the FAA since 2013, controllers often have the opportunity to enhance their take-home pay through mandatory overtime and additional shift incentives. For those engaged in the Columbia market, focusing on obtaining CPC certification and seeking positions at higher-tier en route facilities can greatly increase earning potential in this area.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $134,816 for air traffic controllersin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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