Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Benton, AR: $71,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,394 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,157 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,092) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates pursuing a career in air traffic control in Benton, Arkansas, can expect to start with a salary of about $71,394 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $123,092, highlighting a gap that new controllers may need to navigate as they build their experience. In their first three to five years on the job, entry-level controllers can anticipate a steady trajectory of salary growth, gradually moving towards the 25th percentile figure of $88,627 as they gain skills and familiarity with operations. Given the ongoing demand for controllers, coupled with Arkansas’s cost of living index being below the national average, Benton presents a fair starting market for individuals entering this profession.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Benton, AR typically start between $71,394 and $88,627 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,440 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,092 — 18.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Arkansas of $22,000 represents just 30.81% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($71,394/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $71,394 to $88,627, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Benton is $100,440 ( 140.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,394, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,834.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,649
2025 BLS Actual
$69,605
2026 Current Est.
$71,394
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,229 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,649 in 2019 to $69,605 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,229. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Benton
In Benton, the primary employer for new graduates is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits through public bid opportunities and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. New applicants typically need to be under 31 unless they are military veterans. To enhance starting pay potential, candidates should prioritize completing a bachelor’s degree or gaining three years of relevant work experience, in addition to passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Once hired, controllers go through Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which is essential for entering the workforce; however, this profession offers a strong career strategy in the initial years. For example, successful controllers can progress quickly, especially given the chronic staffing shortages that have resulted since the 2013 sequester, leading to additional overtime opportunities. Although starting pay may not reflect the high-end salaries enjoyed at major en route facilities, the pathway to significant earnings is clearly delineated as one gains experience and advances within the hierarchy of facilities.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Benton in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Benton?
Is aviation school worth it in Benton?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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