Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wichita, KS: $215,360 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Wichita, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $215,360/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Wichita's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $236,920 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For senior air traffic controllers in Wichita, Kansas, the earning potential reflects the expertise required in this critical role. The projected median annual salary for these experienced professionals in 2026 is $141,651, with top earners (P90) reaching an impressive $215,360 and those in the 75th percentile earning $181,314. This significant gap between the median salary and the upper tier highlights a strong experience premium in the market. To attain these top-tier pay levels, controllers must typically accumulate extensive experience, demonstrate proficiency in various specialties, and often take on greater responsibilities in high-demand areas of air traffic control.
About the Wichita Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wichita
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Wichita earn between $181,314 and $215,360 per year (2026 est.). This $133,202 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wichita median of $141,651 sits 6.74% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Wichita | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,651 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,314 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $215,360 | $221,151 |
In Wichita, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 52.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Wichita
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $141,651 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wichita employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Wichita command premium compensation, often reaching the $181,314–$215,360 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wichita 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 Wichita 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 Wichita
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWichita ranks #2 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $215,360).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Wichita ($215,360) is 6.97% above the Kansas average P90 ($201,324).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,703
2025 BLS Actual
$209,964
2026 Current Est.
$215,360
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $179,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $184,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,133 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,360 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $220,895 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Wichita saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $171,703 in 2019 to $209,964 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 $220,895 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
In Wichita, compensation can vary based on specialization and employer type, with en route and radar positions generally commanding the highest salaries. Controllers focusing on terminal radar approach (TRACON), tower operations, and military ATC can also earn a competitive wage, contingent on their experience and responsibilities. Employers, ranging from FAA en route centers to military services and FAA contract towers, influence pay scales and job stability. Advancement opportunities exist through structured roles, starting from developmental controller to operations supervisor and facility manager, paving the way for further leadership within the FAA framework. Additionally, advanced credentials, including CPC certification and the ability to manage traffic effectively, can lead to significant salary increases, coupled with lucrative shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Such factors contribute to senior air traffic controller pay in KS remaining competitive, even as the cost of living in Wichita remains lower than the national average.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Wichita in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Wichita?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Wichita?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Wichita?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Wichita?
Related Pages
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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 $209,964 for air traffic controllers in the Wichita 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 Wichita 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