Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hays, KS: $172,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,112/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $189,342 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, top earners among experienced air traffic controllers in Hays, Kansas can anticipate a salary that reaches up to $172,112, showcasing an attractive compensation structure for senior professionals. This represents a significant gap between the median annual salary of $124,364 and the upper echelon of the pay scale. The opportunity to achieve such top-tier pay necessitates a robust professional background, typically encompassing seven or more years of experience, specialized training, and a firm grasp on complex air traffic management tasks. While Hays's population of controllers is small, the potential for advancement is tangible in this market, especially for those who excel in high-demand specialties such as en route or terminal radar operations.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $157,159 and $172,112 per year (2026 est.). This $97,246 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $124,364 sits 18.12% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,364 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,159 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,112 | $221,151 |
In Hays, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $124,364 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,159–$172,112 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays 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 Hays 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 Kansas 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 Hays
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #21 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $172,112).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Hays ($172,112) is 14.51% below the Kansas average P90 ($201,324).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,222
2025 BLS Actual
$167,800
2026 Current Est.
$172,112
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,222 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,536 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $137,222 in 2019 to $167,800 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 $176,536 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
The various employer types in Hays influence the compensation levels for senior air traffic controllers significantly. Controllers at FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic, often earn the highest salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. In addition to facility differences, specialized skills, such as those required for traffic management coordination or military air traffic control, can command premium pay among seasoned professionals. The career trajectory for controllers is favorable, typically advancing from developmental controller to certified professional controller and beyond, including supervisory roles and management positions. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials and certifications can enhance earning potential in Kansas. Factors such as shift differentials, locality pay, and overtime should also be factored into the overall compensation package for experienced air traffic controllers, ensuring a competitive edge in the field.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Hays?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Hays?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Hays?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Hays?
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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 $167,800 for air traffic controllers in the Hays 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 Hays 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