Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Benton, AR: $171,834 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $171,834/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,738 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the potential for seasoned air traffic controllers to achieve substantial compensation is promising. With a projected top air traffic controller salary of $171,834 in 2026, experienced professionals can find themselves well-compensated relative to the local median of $123,092. This experience premium illustrates a significant gap between typical earnings and those in senior roles, highlighting how complex responsibilities and years of expertise contribute to higher salaries in this field. To reach these elevated income levels, controllers must not only accumulate extensive on-the-job experience but also demonstrate advanced skills and specializations that align with the demands of the position amidst a fluctuating aviation landscape.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $155,326 and $171,834 per year (2026 est.). This $100,440 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $123,092 sits 18.96% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,092 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,326 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $171,834 | $221,151 |
In Benton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 39.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $123,092 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $155,326–$171,834 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #17 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $171,834).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Benton ($171,834) is 5.43% below the Arkansas average P90 ($181,696).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,001
2025 BLS Actual
$167,529
2026 Current Est.
$171,834
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
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 | $137,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,514 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,834 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,251 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $137,001 in 2019 to $167,529 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $176,251 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Benton
When analyzing the pay dynamics for senior air traffic controllers in Benton, specific specializations emerge that command increased compensation. For example, controllers focused on en route or radar management typically occupy the highest pay tier due to their critical role in ensuring safety and efficiency in high-altitude traffic. Similarly, those working in terminal radar (TRACON) and tower operations also receive competitive wages, whereas military ATC roles present a different advancement pathway. Compensation levels can vary significantly depending on the employer type, with FAA en route centers and TRACONs often offering the most lucrative opportunities. Additionally, career advancement options, such as transitioning from a developmental controller to a traffic management coordinator or ATC manager, further enhance earning potential. Advanced credentials, including CPC certification and specialized training, enable these experienced controllers to leverage their qualifications for better pay, while strong benefits like overtime and shift differentials also factor into overall compensation at the senior level.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Benton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Benton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Benton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Benton?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $167,529 for air traffic controllers in the Benton metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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