Air Traffic Controller Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Air Traffic Controllers in Arkansas, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Arkansas Median
$109,760
per year
Hourly Rate
$52.77
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-26% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#34 of 43
80 employed here

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Arkansas?

An Air Traffic Controller working in Arkansas earns a median salary of $109,760 per year, or about $52.77 per hour. That is 26% below the national median of $148,080 for this occupation.

Within Arkansas, entry-level pay starts around $76,360 while the top 10% make $134,430 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $99,800 and $127,920 a year.

Air Traffic Controller salary range in Arkansas

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$76,360$36.71
25th percentile (early career)$99,800$47.98
50th percentile (median)$109,760$52.77
75th percentile (experienced)$127,920$61.50
90th percentile (top earners)$134,430$64.63

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas ranks 34th out of 43 states and territories for Air Traffic Controller pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Virginia$191,820
2Illinois$181,560
3Georgia$178,420
4Colorado$177,380
5Minnesota$176,840

Working as an Air Traffic Controller in Arkansas

Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Arkansas pay ($109,760) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Arkansas?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Arkansas is $109,760 per year, or about $52.77 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $76,360 at the entry level to $134,430 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Arkansas pay compare to the national average?
Arkansas pays Air Traffic Controllers about 26% less than the national median of $148,080. Arkansas ranks 34th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Arkansas a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $109,760 a year. About 80 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Arkansas. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas?
The highest-paying occupations in Arkansas include Dermatologist ($422,060), Neurologist ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($262,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Air Traffic Controller salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.