Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $182,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in North Little Rock, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $182,574/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back North Little Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,097 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achievement in the field of air traffic control in North Little Rock can translate into significant earnings, as the top air traffic controller salary in the area reaches as high as $182,574 in 2026. This figure is part of a broader salary range that affords an experienced professional a median annual salary of $122,556, highlighting an impressive disparity that underscores the potential for skilled individuals to enhance their earning capacity through experience and specializations. With heightened responsibilities and expertise garnering this pay, the journey to top-tier compensation typically entails advanced training, additional certification, and possibly transitioning to roles in larger facilities or specialized sectors within the air traffic control domain.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Little Rock
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in North Little Rock earn between $156,872 and $182,574 per year (2026 est.). This $111,492 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Little Rock median of $122,556 sits 19.31% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | North Little Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $122,556 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,872 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $182,574 | $221,151 |
In North Little Rock, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.97% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in North Little Rock
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $122,556 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Little Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in North Little Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,872–$182,574 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North 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 North 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 North Little Rock
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Little Rock ranks #6 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $182,574).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in North Little Rock ($182,574) is 0.48% above the Arkansas average P90 ($181,696).
2019 BLS Actual
$145,563
2025 BLS Actual
$177,999
2026 Current Est.
$182,574
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,547 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,546 | Actual |
| 2022 | $156,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $165,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,999 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,266 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in North Little Rock saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $145,563 in 2019 to $177,999 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 $187,266 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North 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 North Little Rock
Senior air traffic controllers in North Little Rock may find their earning potential further influenced by their specific area of expertise and the facility type where they are employed. Specializations like en route/radar control, which command the highest pay tier, can lead to compensation structures that significantly exceed the local median. Roles at FAA en route centers typically provide better salaries compared to tower positions, owing to the complexity and volume of airspace managed. Advancement tracks also offer pathways for increased financial rewards, moving through ranks from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and beyond. Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status coupled with facility-level distinctions plays a significant role in determining pay, as does engagement in high-demand environments, optional overtime, and geographical locality pay. Additionally, a solid educational background and meeting all FAA requirements—including medical standards and aptitude tests—position individuals for competitive salaries in a market characterized by chronic understaffing and the looming prospect of retirement requirements for seasoned professionals.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in North Little Rock in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in North Little Rock?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in North Little Rock?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in North Little Rock?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in North Little Rock?
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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
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 $177,999 for air traffic controllers in the North 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 North 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