Transportation & Logistics Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Smith, AR is $109,904 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$109,904
vs State Avg
$-5,495
vs National
$-27,476
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median air traffic controller salary of $109,904, which is $5,495 below the Arkansas state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $109,904 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fort Smith spans from $65,600 at the 10th percentile to $158,400 at the 90th percentile — a $92,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,000, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $68,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,000
$-17,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,000
$-28,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
$-38,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $65,600
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $109,904
75th Percentile $140,000
90th Percentile $158,400

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$120,894
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$119,521
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$115,399
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$112,652
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fort Smith

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $109,904 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $65,600 (10th percentile) to $158,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,904, a air traffic controller in Fort Smith earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median air traffic controller salary of $109,904 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $109,904 in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Fort Smith 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.