Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moore, OK: $194,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Moore, OK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $194,334/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Moore's price premium (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $218,598 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moore, Oklahoma, top-tier air traffic controllers can expect to earn an impressive salary, with the 2026 projections showing a potential for salaries reaching up to $194,334 for those in the 90th percentile. This figure reveals a significant payoff for experience and expertise, with the median annual salary standing at $135,018. The gap between the median and the top earners illustrates the potential financial rewards available to senior professionals in this field. Achieving such high compensation typically requires not only years of dedicated service but also specialized skills and certifications that distinguish outstanding controllers from their peers.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moore
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Moore earn between $172,823 and $194,334 per year (2026 est.). This $116,024 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moore median of $135,018 sits 11.11% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moore | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,018 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,823 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $194,334 | $221,151 |
In Moore, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Moore
Advanced Certifications in Oklahoma
OK air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $135,018 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moore employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Moore command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,823–$194,334 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moore 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 Moore 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 Moore
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoore ranks #8 of 27 Oklahoma cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $194,334).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Moore ($194,334) is 0.56% below the Oklahoma average P90 ($195,438).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,939
2025 BLS Actual
$189,465
2026 Current Est.
$194,334
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,373 | Actual |
| 2021 | $163,437 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199,329 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Moore saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $154,939 in 2019 to $189,465 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 $199,329 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
Specialization plays a vital role in determining senior air traffic controller pay in OK, influencing salaries based on the specific sectors in which controllers operate. For instance, those working in en route or radar facilities can command the highest salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of their work. Additionally, compensation can vary considerably based on the employer type, with FAA en route centers and TRACONs generally offering more generous pay compared to smaller, contract-controlled towers. Leadership opportunities abound, allowing experienced controllers to advance from developmental roles to managerial positions, potentially increasing their earnings dramatically. Furthermore, advanced credentials, including specialized training and certifications, not only enhance earning potential but also provide avenues for career advancement, ensuring that the most qualified individuals can thrive in Moore’s air traffic control market.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Moore in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Moore?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Moore?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Moore?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Moore?
Related Pages
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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 $189,465 for air traffic controllers in the Moore 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 Moore 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