Air Traffic Controller Salary in Florissant, MO: $135,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Florissant, MO earns a median $135,305/year (≈ $65.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Florissant's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $151,010 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Florissant, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $135,305, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range illustrates the significant pay variance in the field, with entry-level positions (P10) earning around $78,477, while experienced controllers at the top end (P90) can secure up to $201,783. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price preferences, reflect the competitive nature of air traffic controller pay in Florissant. Certain factors, like facility tier—en route versus terminal or tower—can impact earning potential. In this local market, controllers generally find their pay influenced by the type of facility they work in and their specific certifications.
About the Florissant Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,477 | $37.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,420 | $46.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,305 | $65.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,435 | $82.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,783 | $97.01 |
Median Salary Position
10.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florissant
In Florissant, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,306 (2026 est.). At $135,305, the local median is 10.92% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Florissant: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Florissant Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Florissant median: $135,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Florissant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,122 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.92% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Florissant, MO earn a median of $135,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.92% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Missouri state average of $136,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florissant 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.
Florissant, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,305 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,010 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,564
2025 BLS Actual
$131,915
2026 Current Est.
$135,305
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Florissant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,183 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,586 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,915 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Florissant metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,564 (2019) to $131,915 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,219 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florissant 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) | $78,477 – $97,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,420 – $135,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,305 – $172,435 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,435 – $201,783 |
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 Florissant
With only 11 air traffic controllers employed in the area, job security may seem stable, yet it is crucial to consider the local cost of living index, which stands at 89.6. This indicates that the purchasing power of salaries in Florissant will differ from national averages, influencing how much take-home pay translates into spending ability. Employers in Florissant mainly include FAA centers, such as en route facilities and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) sites, which usually offer higher salaries compared to airport traffic control towers. The disparity in pay can stem from various factors, including whether a position offers developmental pay at 65-75% of full controller pay, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime that is commonplace in this field due to chronic understaffing. Controllers looking to enhance their earnings might focus on attaining CPC certification or pursuing positions in more lucrative en route centers, effectively balancing the demands of work and pay optimization in Florissant.
More salary data for Florissant, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Florissant?
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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 $131,915 for air traffic controllersin the Florissant 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 Florissant 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