Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Enid, OK: $78,316 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Enid, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,316 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Enid's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,094 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,028) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career in air traffic control in Enid, Oklahoma, can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of approximately $78,316 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, but it is crucial to note that a median annual salary for air traffic controllers in the city is projected to be $135,028. This gap indicates room for growth as entry-level controllers gain experience. Over the initial years, salaries can progress from the entry-level mark to approximately $97,220 after reaching the 25th percentile, and eventually toward the median as one’s responsibilities grow. Given the potential salary increases and a projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, Enid presents a viable market for new graduates entering the air traffic control field.
About the Enid Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Enid
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 Enid
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Enid, OK typically start between $78,316 and $97,220 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,054 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,028 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oklahoma of $28,000 represents just 35.75% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,316/year) in Enid. 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 Enid
- 1Research the Enid market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,316 to $97,220, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Enid, 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 Enid for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Enid'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 Enid is $116,054 ( 148.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,316, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,370.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,530
2025 BLS Actual
$76,354
2026 Current Est.
$78,316
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Enid (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,986 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,651 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,316 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,329 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Enid, OK grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,530 in 2019 to $76,354 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,329. New graduates entering the Enid job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Enid 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 Enid
Hiring opportunities for entry-level air traffic controllers in Enid typically arise from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits through various pathways. New controllers can apply through public bid windows or the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, provided they meet specific criteria, such as being under age 31 unless they are military veterans. While possessing the proper credentials—like a U.S. citizenship, relevant education, and clearance on aptitude tests—can significantly impact initial pay, the FAA Academy’s training is vital for setting up a successful career. Moreover, the air traffic control profession on the federal FG pay scale allows for substantial earnings post-certification, especially within high-demand facilities. However, it’s essential for new hires to understand the unique challenges they may face, such as a maximum retirement age of 56, ongoing certification requirements, and navigating the industry dynamics shaped by recent staffing shortages. With realistic salary growth expectations, newcomers can aim for strategic advancement in the first few years.
More salary data for Enid, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Enid. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Enid 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