Air Traffic Controller Salary in Missouri (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Missouri Median
$122,200
per year
Hourly Rate
$58.75
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-17% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#29 of 43
260 employed here

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Missouri?

An Air Traffic Controller working in Missouri earns a median salary of $122,200 per year, or about $58.75 per hour. That is 17% below the national median of $148,080 for this occupation.

Within Missouri, entry-level pay starts around $90,940 while the top 10% make $166,610 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $105,440 and $145,140 a year.

Air Traffic Controller salary range in Missouri

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$90,940$43.72
25th percentile (early career)$105,440$50.69
50th percentile (median)$122,200$58.75
75th percentile (experienced)$145,140$69.78
90th percentile (top earners)$166,610$80.10

How Missouri compares

Missouri ranks 29th 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 Missouri

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 Missouri pay ($122,200) 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 Missouri?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Missouri is $122,200 per year, or about $58.75 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $90,940 at the entry level to $166,610 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Missouri pay compare to the national average?
Missouri pays Air Traffic Controllers about 17% less than the national median of $148,080. Missouri ranks 29th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Missouri a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $122,200 a year. About 260 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Missouri. 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 Missouri?
The highest-paying occupations in Missouri include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($842,800), Cardiologist ($648,070), Emergency Medicine Physician ($456,280), 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.