Air Traffic Controller Salary in Midwest City, OK: $133,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Midwest City, OK earns a median $133,815/year (≈ $64.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Midwest City's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $150,523 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Midwest City, Oklahoma, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $133,815. This figure reflects not only the expertise required for the role but also the reality of working extended hours, which can range between 50 to 60 per week at often understaffed facilities. The salary range spans from $77,613 at the 10th percentile to $198,340 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on experience and facility type. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity. For aspiring controllers, this competitive pay provides a strong incentive, especially considering the area's unique job market dynamics.
About the Midwest City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,613 | $37.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,004 | $47.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,815 | $64.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,283 | $82.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,340 | $95.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Midwest City
In Midwest City, OK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,727 (2026 est.). At $133,815, the local median is 11.9% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Midwest City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Midwest City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Midwest City median: $133,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Midwest City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $135,030 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.90% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Midwest City, OK earn a median of $133,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,030.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Midwest City 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.
Midwest City, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,815 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,523 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,357
2025 BLS Actual
$130,462
2026 Current Est.
$133,815
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Midwest City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,357 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,254 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Midwest City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,357 (2019) to $130,462 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,254 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,897 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Midwest City 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) | $77,613 – $98,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,004 – $133,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,815 – $171,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,283 – $198,340 |
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 Midwest City
While there are currently only 12 air traffic controllers employed in the Midwest City area, the cost of living index at 88.9 suggests that take-home pay stretches further in this relatively affordable locale. Among employers, the FAA typically offers the highest wages, particularly at en route centers compared to terminal facilities and control towers, with pay differences reflecting the complexity and traffic levels managed. Factors influencing pay variation include the facility tier, CPC certification status, and additional incentives such as shift differentials and abundant overtime due to chronic staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their income in Midwest City, focusing on obtaining CPC certification and being flexible with scheduling can enhance overall earnings, providing a pathway to higher pay within this promising field.
More salary data for Midwest City, 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 $130,462 for air traffic controllersin the Midwest City 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 Midwest City 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