Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wildwood, MO: $135,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wildwood, MO earns a median $135,009/year (≈ $64.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wildwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $150,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Wildwood, Missouri can expect a median annual salary of $135,009 in 2026, which reflects notable differences when compared nationally, where the median reaches $151,886. The local pay range spans from $78,305 at the 10th percentile to $186,689 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that controllers' earnings can vary substantially based on their experience and the facility type. Specifically, those working at en route Level 12 facilities typically see higher compensation compared to their counterparts at terminal and tower facilities, which can significantly influence overall earnings. These figures represent estimates derived from BLS state-level data, taking into account regional price adjustments that affect the cost of living for Wildwood residents.
About the Wildwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,305 | $37.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,207 | $46.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,009 | $64.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,578 | $81.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,689 | $89.76 |
Median Salary Position
11.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wildwood
In Wildwood, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,384 (2026 est.). At $135,009, the local median is 11.11% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wildwood: You'd be above the median
How Wildwood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wildwood median: $135,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wildwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,098 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.11% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wildwood, MO earn a median of $135,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $136,098.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wildwood 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.
Wildwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,680 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,324
2025 BLS Actual
$131,626
2026 Current Est.
$135,009
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,324 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,555 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,115 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,479 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wildwood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,324 (2019) to $131,626 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,155 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wildwood 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) | $78,305 – $97,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,207 – $135,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,009 – $169,578 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,578 – $186,689 |
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 Wildwood
In this area, only five air traffic controllers are currently employed, contributing to a tighter job market. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, Wildwood offers a relatively affordable living situation, which enhances the purchasing power of air traffic controller pay in Wildwood, MO. High earnings are often associated with positions at FAA en route centers, where traffic management and operational responsibilities command higher salaries. Factors such as certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime further shape salary outcomes, with developmental controller pay generally lower than fully certified controllers. For those looking to maximize earnings in this specific market, deploying strategies such as seeking advanced certifications, opting for preferred shifts, and staying updated on local demand trends can lead to improved financial outcomes.
More salary data for Wildwood, 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 $131,626 for air traffic controllersin the Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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