Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Liberal, KS: $175,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Liberal, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,101/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Liberal's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $192,630 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for seasoned air traffic controllers in Liberal, Kansas, reflect the demand for highly skilled professionals capable of managing complex air traffic scenarios. In 2026, experienced controllers can expect a median annual salary of $123,885, while those in the top-tier (P90) earn as much as $175,101. This considerable pay gap highlights the experience premium available to senior-level controllers, who can outpace the median substantially. To reach such advanced salary levels, professionals must combine substantial experience with specialized skills, often involving various certifications and proficiency in high-stakes environments like en route and radar operations. The earning potential in Liberal may not rival metropolitan areas, but it competes well for regional standards, reflecting the local need for expertise in air traffic management.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Liberal earn between $151,330 and $175,101 per year (2026 est.). This $101,739 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Liberal median of $123,885 sits 18.44% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Liberal | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,885 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,330 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,101 | $221,151 |
In Liberal, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Liberal
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $123,885 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Liberal employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Liberal command premium compensation, often reaching the $151,330–$175,101 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Liberal 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 Liberal 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 Kansas 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 Liberal
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLiberal ranks #16 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $175,101).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Liberal ($175,101) is 13.03% below the Kansas average P90 ($201,324).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,605
2025 BLS Actual
$170,714
2026 Current Est.
$175,101
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,605 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,601 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Liberal saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $139,605 in 2019 to $170,714 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 $179,601 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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 Liberal
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Liberal varies significantly depending on the specific area of specialization and the employer type. For example, en route and radar controllers generally command higher wages due to the complexity of managing high-altitude traffic. Positions at FAA en route centers often yield advanced pay, while those controlling terminal radar or working in airport towers might see lower compensation. Career advancement is possible through a structured progression, evolving from a developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), and eventually to roles like traffic management coordinator or ATC manager. Additionally, gaining advanced certifications can enhance earning potential, as does working at higher-tier facilities. Notably, factors such as CPC status and shifts can lead to non-salary compensation enhancements, contributing to overall income stability in a profession that often relies on overtime and specialty roles to boost earnings.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Liberal in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Liberal?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Liberal?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Liberal?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Liberal?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $170,714 for air traffic controllers in the Liberal 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 Liberal 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