St. Louis vs Wildwood: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between St. Louis, MO and Wildwood, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Wildwood, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,910 | $135,009▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.94 | $64.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,980▲ | $78,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,094▲ | $97,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,322 | $169,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,087 | $186,689▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Wildwood, MO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Wildwood is $4,099 (3.13%). Wildwood's median is -11.11% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $76,107,Wildwood spans $108,384. Wildwood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wildwood ($150,680 effective) pays 9.45% more than St. Louis ($137,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Wildwood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,009/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,689)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,680)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in St. Louis grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Wildwood over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$105,540 (2019) → $127,630 (2025)
Wildwood, MO
$111,110 (2024) → $131,626 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Wildwood, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: St. Louis or Wildwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Wildwood?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Wildwood as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in St. Louis vs Wildwood?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov