Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $129,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hutchinson, KS earns a median $129,941/year (≈ $62.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hutchinson's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $142,949 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Hutchinson, Kansas, are projected to earn a median salary of $129,941, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886. Their earnings will range from approximately $75,365 at the 10th percentile to $189,039 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the wide disparity based on experience and certification levels. These figures stem from local estimates influenced by BLS state-level data and considerations of regional cost adjustments. Hutchinson's relatively modest air traffic controller salary in comparison to national averages reflects both local market dynamics and the certification timeline, which necessitates several years of growth from developmental pay to full compensation as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC).
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,365 | $36.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,916 | $45.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,941 | $62.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,946 | $77.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,039 | $90.89 |
Median Salary Position
14.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hutchinson
In Hutchinson, KS, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,674 (2026 est.). At $129,941, the local median is 14.45% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hutchinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hutchinson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hutchinson median: $129,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hutchinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $132,864 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -14.45% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $129,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.45% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $132,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hutchinson has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hutchinson, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $129,941 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,949 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,220
2025 BLS Actual
$126,685
2026 Current Est.
$129,941
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,003 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,280 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hutchinson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $105,220 (2019) to $126,685 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,280 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,060 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,365 – $94,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,916 – $129,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,941 – $160,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,946 – $189,039 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Hutchinson
The local air traffic controller job market sees around 10 employed professionals in Hutchinson, KS, with the cost of living index at 90.9, indicating a lower-than-average expense for residents. This factor can significantly enhance take-home purchasing power despite salaries that trail behind national figures. Employment opportunities predominantly reside within FAA facilities, including echelons like en route centers as well as approach control operations, where controller salaries can vary greatly depending on the facility level and CPC status. The substantial differences in pay are influenced by various elements such as the facility tier (en route facilities typically provide higher wages), shift differentials, and overtime options, all of which can augment overall earnings. For individuals aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Hutchinson, developing experience through strategic work choices and pursuing higher certification can lead to significant gains over time, ultimately improving their financial standing in the region.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $126,685 for air traffic controllersin the Hutchinson metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hutchinson 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