Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ardmore, OK: $127,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ardmore, OK earns a median $127,785/year (≈ $61.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ardmore's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $143,740 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Ardmore, OK, can expect a median annual salary of $127,785, reflecting the economics of a demanding profession that often entails 50-60 hour work weeks at understaffed facilities. This salary is within a range that spans from $74,115 at the lower end (P10) to $182,272 at the upper end (P90), demonstrating a considerable disparity in earnings based on experience and job responsibilities. The figures provided are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, highlighting how Ardmore's job market for this profession is characterized by the pressure of heavy workloads. Controllers in this city must navigate their roles effectively to maximize earnings potential, especially in a market competing with larger en route facilities.
About the Ardmore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,115 | $35.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,005 | $44.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,785 | $61.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,564 | $78.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,272 | $87.64 |
Median Salary Position
15.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ardmore
In Ardmore, OK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,157 (2026 est.). At $127,785, the local median is 15.87% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ardmore: You'd be above the median
How Ardmore Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ardmore median: $127,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ardmore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $135,079 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.87% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ardmore, OK earn a median of $127,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $135,079.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ardmore has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ardmore, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $127,785 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,740 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,474
2025 BLS Actual
$124,583
2026 Current Est.
$127,785
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ardmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,725 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,265 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,689 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,069 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ardmore metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $103,474 (2019) to $124,583 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,069 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,595 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ardmore 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) | $74,115 – $92,005 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,005 – $127,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,785 – $163,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,564 – $182,272 |
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 Ardmore
Currently, Ardmore has a limited number of air traffic controllers, with only seven employed in the area. This low staffing number emphasizes the high demand for skilled professionals in the region. The cost of living index in Ardmore stands at 88.9, which is lower than the national average, translating to somewhat increased purchasing power for controllers compared to other locations. Those seeking the highest compensation will find that FAA en route centers typically offer more competitive salaries than terminal facilities or contract towers. Factors driving pay discrepancies include the level of the facility and the controller's experience, with certified professional controllers (CPCs) earning significantly more due to their advanced status. Additionally, shift differentials for nights and weekends, as well as enforced overtime, can further boost take-home pay in this market. For aspiring controllers or those already in the field, focusing on securing CPC certification and seeking roles that offer ample overtime can be strategic steps to improve overall earnings in Ardmore.
More salary data for Ardmore, 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
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 $124,583 for air traffic controllersin the Ardmore 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 Ardmore 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