Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ponca City, OK: $125,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ponca City, OK earns a median $125,447/year (≈ $60.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ponca City's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $141,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Ponca City, Oklahoma, project a median annual figure of $125,447 for 2026, which lags notably behind the national median of $151,886. This compensation ranges from $74,015 at the 10th percentile to as high as $172,102 at the 90th percentile, providing a broad spectrum that reflects local market dynamics. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variabilities, highlight a unique aspect of the job: controllers often work 50 to 60 hour weeks due to chronic understaffing. This high-demand environment can translate to significant overtime pay, effectively boosting take-home earnings. For those considering a career in this field, Ponca City presents both challenges and opportunities in the air traffic control market.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,015 | $35.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,787 | $44.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,447 | $60.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,313 | $75.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,102 | $82.74 |
Median Salary Position
17.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ponca City
In Ponca City, OK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,087 (2026 est.). At $125,447, the local median is 17.41% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ponca City: You'd be above the median
How Ponca City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ponca City median: $125,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ponca City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $135,035 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -17.41% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ponca City, OK earn a median of $125,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,035.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ponca 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.
Ponca City, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $125,447 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,110 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,581
2025 BLS Actual
$122,304
2026 Current Est.
$125,447
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,229 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ponca City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $101,581 (2019) to $122,304 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,090 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ponca 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) | $74,015 – $92,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,787 – $125,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,447 – $157,313 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,313 – $172,102 |
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 Ponca City
The job market for air traffic controllers in Ponca City remains relatively stable with only four employed at present. The local cost of living index sits at 88.9, suggesting that wages stretch further here compared to many other regions. Among the various employment possibilities, those working in FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) or military air traffic control roles may find the best compensation packages. Factors like facility levels—where en route facilities traditionally offer higher pay than airport control towers—play a considerable role in the earnings spread. Additionally, controllers who attain CPC certification can significantly enhance their pay. Implementing strategies to secure overtime and shift differentials can substantially improve income. Overall, the air traffic controller pay in Ponca City, OK, reflects both the demands of the job and the local economic conditions, making it essential for potential applicants to navigate their career decisions with this context in mind.
More salary data for Ponca 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 $122,304 for air traffic controllersin the Ponca 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 Ponca 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