Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $203,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lee's Summit, MO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $203,916/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lee's Summit's price premium (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $227,585 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lee's Summit, the potential for top earners among experienced air traffic controllers is quite substantial. The projected senior air traffic controller pay for 2026 reveals a remarkable salary range, with the top earners making up to $203,916 annually, significantly surpassing the local median of $134,894. This demonstrates a clear experience premium, as reaching such heights in compensation necessitates years of specialized service and a proven track record in an increasingly complex aviation environment. Controllers dedicated to advancing their expertise and navigating demanding roles will find that the gap from the median to the high-end salaries reflects their exceptional capabilities and commitment.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lee's Summit earn between $172,664 and $203,916 per year (2026 est.). This $125,678 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lee's Summit median of $134,894 sits 11.19% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lee's Summit | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,894 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,664 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $203,916 | $221,151 |
In Lee's Summit, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 51.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lee's Summit
Advanced Certifications in Missouri
MO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $134,894 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lee's Summit employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lee's Summit command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,664–$203,916 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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 Missouri 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 Lee's Summit
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLee's Summit ranks #6 of 33 Missouri cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $203,916).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lee's Summit ($203,916) is 3.96% above the Missouri average P90 ($196,142).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,579
2025 BLS Actual
$198,807
2026 Current Est.
$203,916
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,579 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $171,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,739 | Actual |
| 2025 | $198,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $203,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $209,157 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lee's Summit saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $162,579 in 2019 to $198,807 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 $209,157 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
Achieving a senior air traffic controller salary in Lee's Summit often entails focusing on specialized fields that command higher pay, such as en route or radar positions, which typically offer the most lucrative opportunities. Controllers working in terminal radar (TRACON) and tower operations, particularly at larger airports, may also see significant compensation. Employment in various organizational settings impacts salaries as well—FAA en route centers often provide better pay than smaller airport control towers or FAA contract facilities. Career progression at this level typically involves a well-defined path: from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), and potentially advancing to supervisory or management roles within the FAA or military sectors. Earning additional credentials and certifications can further enhance earning potential. With the FAA’s competitive landscape and chronic understaffing encouraging overtime, those seeking senior positions in air traffic control can expect numerous opportunities for increased compensation through shift differentials and extensive work engagements.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lee's Summit in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lee's Summit?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lee's Summit?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lee's Summit?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lee's Summit?
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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 $198,807 for air traffic controllers in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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