Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bentonville, AR: $175,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Bentonville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,323/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Bentonville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,753 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Bentonville, Arkansas, have a significant potential for top-tier earnings, particularly those with considerable experience in the field. In 2026, the upper echelon of senior air traffic controllers can expect to earn as much as $175,323, with those in the 75th percentile making about $157,428 annually. These figures reveal a considerable disparity between the median salary of $124,128 and the higher ranges, illustrating the experience premium available to top performers. Achieving this elite compensation requires not only extensive experience but also specific specializations and roles within the ATC system, reflecting the sophisticated demands of overseeing complex air traffic operations in the region.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Bentonville earn between $157,428 and $175,323 per year (2026 est.). This $103,329 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bentonville median of $124,128 sits 18.28% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Bentonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,128 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,428 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,323 | $221,151 |
In Bentonville, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.24% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Bentonville
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $124,128 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bentonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Bentonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,428–$175,323 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBentonville ranks #12 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $175,323).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Bentonville ($175,323) is 3.51% below the Arkansas average P90 ($181,696).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,782
2025 BLS Actual
$170,930
2026 Current Est.
$175,323
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,489 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,448 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,829 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Bentonville saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $139,782 in 2019 to $170,930 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 $179,829 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville 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 Bentonville
Focusing on the factors influencing senior air traffic controller pay in Bentonville, several specializations command premium compensation, including en route/radar positions, terminal radar control (TRACON), and traffic management coordination. Employment type further affects pay levels, as FAA en route centers typically offer higher salaries compared to airport control towers or military positions. Professional advancement opportunities are robust in this sector, with clear pathways leading from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPC) and beyond to operations supervisors or ATC managers. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials can significantly enhance earning potential, as qualifications such as CPC status and specialized training play critical roles in determining salary tiers. Non-salary drivers like shift differentials and overtime can further increase overall compensation, which is vital to consider given the recent staffing shortages within the FAA. These elements collectively shape the senior air traffic controller pay in AR and offer a comprehensive view of the fiscal landscape for experienced professionals in Bentonville.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Bentonville in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Bentonville?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Bentonville?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Bentonville?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Bentonville?
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 $170,930 for air traffic controllers in the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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