Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bethany, OK: $127,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bethany, OK earns a median $127,783/year (≈ $61.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bethany's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $143,738 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Bethany, OK, presents an appealing opportunity for air traffic controllers, with a median annual salary of $127,783. This figure positions local controllers somewhat below the national median of $151,886. The salary range varies significantly, from $74,114 at the lower end (P10) to strikingly high figures of $179,726 at the upper end (P90), which indicates substantial earning potential depending on various factors such as experience and facility type. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight that air traffic controller pay in Bethany remains competitive within the broader Oklahoma market, yet it may not fully match the earnings available in higher-tier facilities across the nation. Understanding local demand and facility classifications can enable aspiring controllers to strategize their career paths more effectively in this particular market.
About the Bethany Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,114 | $35.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,003 | $44.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,783 | $61.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,978 | $78.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,726 | $86.40 |
Median Salary Position
15.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethany
In Bethany, OK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,612 (2026 est.). At $127,783, the local median is 15.87% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethany: You'd be above the median
How Bethany Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bethany median: $127,783/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $135,077 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.87% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bethany, OK earn a median of $127,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,077.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethany has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethany, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $127,783 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,738 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,473
2025 BLS Actual
$124,581
2026 Current Est.
$127,783
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bethany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,263 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,688 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,067 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethany metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $103,473 (2019) to $124,581 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,067 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,594 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethany 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) | $74,114 – $92,003 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,003 – $127,783 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,783 – $162,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,978 – $179,726 |
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 Bethany
Despite the promising salary figures, the local job market for air traffic controllers in Bethany is modest, with only five professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index stands at 88.9, reflecting a below-average cost compared to the national standard. This lower cost of living enhances purchasing power for local controllers, enabling them to stretch their pay further. Among the potential employers, FAA en route centers could offer the highest salaries within the area, followed closely by terminal facilities than airport traffic control towers. The differences in pay levels stem from the facility type, with en route centers providing greater compensation levels compared to other tiers. Additional factors contributing to income variations include the level of certification, shift differentials, and the potential for overtime, which are common due to chronic understaffing issues. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Bethany, pursuing opportunities in development and seeking certifications that elevate one’s experience and position will be key strategies for enhancing overall earnings.
More salary data for Bethany, OK:
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 $124,581 for air traffic controllersin the Bethany 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 Bethany 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