Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Little Rock, AR: $194,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Little Rock, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $194,840/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Little Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,212 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior air traffic controllers in Little Rock, Arkansas, can anticipate a promising median annual salary of $131,452, with the potential to reach the upper tiers of the pay scale reflecting their extensive experience and expertise. The top earners at the 90th percentile can command salaries as high as $194,840, significantly enhancing the appeal of advanced career paths in this sector. This range underscores a noticeable experience premium, where individuals with seven or more years in the field can expect salary packages that differ dramatically from the median. Achieving top-tier pay in Little Rock requires a combination of extensive field knowledge, specialized training, and often a commitment to ongoing education and certification—factors that are critical in a market where the national median stands at $151,886, reinforcing the competitive edge senior controllers possess.
About the Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Little Rock earn between $168,258 and $194,840 per year (2026 est.). This $118,598 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Little Rock median of $131,452 sits 13.45% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Little Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $131,452 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,258 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $194,840 | $221,151 |
In Little Rock, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Little Rock
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $131,452 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Little Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Little Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,258–$194,840 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Little Rock metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Little Rock with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Little Rock
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLittle Rock ranks #1 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $194,840).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Little Rock ($194,840) is 7.23% above the Arkansas average P90 ($181,696).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,342
2025 BLS Actual
$189,958
2026 Current Est.
$194,840
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,342 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199,847 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Little Rock saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,342 in 2019 to $189,958 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $199,847 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Little Rock
Compensation in the air traffic control field varies significantly based on specializations and the type of employer. Those who focus on en route or radar roles typically earn at the highest levels, while positions in terminal radar, military ATC, and traffic management coordination also offer lucrative pay opportunities. Senior controllers at FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic, often see better compensation than their counterparts in airport traffic control towers or smaller FAA contract facilities. Career advancement paths are well-defined, typically starting from a developmental controller role to achieving full certification as a professional controller and progressing to supervisory positions or specialized roles like traffic management coordinator. Furthermore, various factors can enhance total compensation, including shift differentials, overtime availability, and certification status. Advanced credentials, along with the intrinsic benefits of working in a strategically significant location like Little Rock, make the role of an air traffic controller not just a job, but a lucrative career trajectory.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Little Rock in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Little Rock?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Little Rock?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Little Rock?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Little Rock?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $189,958 for air traffic controllers in the Little Rock metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Little Rock 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