Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Edmond, OK: $186,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Edmond, OK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $186,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Edmond's price premium (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,053 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior air traffic controllers in Edmond, Oklahoma, have a promising career trajectory with the potential for top-tier salaries that significantly exceed the median. In 2026, top earners can expect to see salaries reaching as high as $186,737, with the 75th percentile drawing $166,486. This represents a substantial leap from the median salary of $130,334, illustrating the significant experience premium associated with advanced positions in this field. Achieving such pay requires a mix of extensive industry experience, specialization in areas like en route and terminal radar operations, and a proven track record in high-pressure environments. For those willing to invest in advanced credentials and navigate their careers strategically through FAA pathways, the potential for lucrative compensation in Edmond remains robust.
About the Edmond Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmond
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Edmond earn between $166,486 and $186,737 per year (2026 est.). This $111,144 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmond median of $130,334 sits 14.19% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmond | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,334 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,486 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $186,737 | $221,151 |
In Edmond, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Edmond
Advanced Certifications in Oklahoma
OK air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $130,334 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmond employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Edmond command premium compensation, often reaching the $166,486–$186,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmond 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 Edmond 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 Oklahoma 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 Edmond
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmond ranks #14 of 27 Oklahoma cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $186,737).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Edmond ($186,737) is 4.45% below the Oklahoma average P90 ($195,438).
2019 BLS Actual
$148,882
2025 BLS Actual
$182,058
2026 Current Est.
$186,737
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Edmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,882 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $157,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $169,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $182,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $191,536 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Edmond saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $148,882 in 2019 to $182,058 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 $191,536 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmond 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 Edmond
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Edmond varies widely based on specialization and employment type. Specializations such as en route and radar operations often command the highest pay, reflecting the complexity and responsibility involved. Facilities like FAA en route centers typically offer more competitive salaries compared to airport traffic control towers or military ATC roles. Controllers can also advance through the FAA’s structured career progression, moving from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and beyond. This typical journey is complemented by specialized training at the FAA Academy and ongoing assessments. Additional certifications and expertise can lead to increased earnings, especially in high-traffic airports or critical military positions. Non-salary benefits also factor into total compensation; shift differentials and mandatory overtime create opportunities for significant additional income. Ultimately, the current staffing demands within air traffic control further enhance the potential for advanced positions, making the path to becoming a top air traffic controller in Edmond rewarding, both financially and professionally.
More salary data for Edmond, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Edmond in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Edmond?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Edmond?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Edmond?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Edmond?
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Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 $182,058 for air traffic controllers in the Edmond 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 Edmond 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