Air Traffic Controller Salary in University City, MO: $134,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in University City, MO earns a median $134,167/year (≈ $64.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $149,740 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in University City, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,167, reflecting the competitive pay within the aviation sector. The figures suggest a salary range stretching from $77,817 at the P10 level to $183,796 at the P90 level. These estimates, derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicate that controllers at en route Level 12 facilities—often associated with higher complexity and responsibility—may command more substantial compensation compared to their terminal and tower counterparts. For individuals considering a career in air traffic control within University City, it’s vital to understand how facility type impacts earning potential, particularly in a city that plays a small but integral role in regional air traffic management.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,817 | $37.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,600 | $46.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,167 | $64.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,366 | $81.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,796 | $88.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,979 (2026 est.). At $134,167, the local median is 11.67% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be above the median
How University City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
University City median: $134,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $136,072 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.67% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in University City, MO earn a median of $134,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.67% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $136,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,167 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,740 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,642
2025 BLS Actual
$130,805
2026 Current Est.
$134,167
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,642 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,417 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,615 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,642 (2019) to $130,805 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,615 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,973 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $77,817 – $96,600 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,600 – $134,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,167 – $170,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,366 – $183,796 |
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 University City
Given the current employment of six air traffic controllers in the area, University City's job market dynamics are relatively stable. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, controllers may find that their take-home pay stretches further than in many higher-cost urban centers, though the local pay is lower than the national median. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, while terminal facilities tend to follow, with airport traffic control towers at the lower end of the pay scale. The disparity in wages here can be attributed to factors such as facility level designation, CPC certification status, and additional compensatory frameworks like shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Considering the ongoing staffing challenges, prospective air traffic controllers in University City should be strategic about their career paths and consider factors such as overtime shifts, which can substantially enhance annual earnings, as they navigate through their professional journey in this vital federal occupation.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in University City?
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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 $130,805 for air traffic controllersin the University City 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 University City 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