Transportation & Logistics Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median air traffic controller salary in Fayetteville, AR is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$120,894
vs State Avg
+$5,495
vs National
$-16,486
Cost of Living
88%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $5,495 above the Arkansas state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fayetteville spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $72,160
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $120,894
75th Percentile $154,000
90th Percentile $174,240

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fayetteville

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Fayetteville

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $72,160 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Fayetteville earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Fayetteville? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Fayetteville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.