Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $112,652 (2026)

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

Jonesboro offers a median air traffic controller salary of $112,652, which is $2,747 below the Arkansas state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $112,652 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Jonesboro spans from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $95,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,800. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$69,700

$-15,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$114,800

$-25,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$155,800

$-34,200 vs national

Percentile	Jonesboro	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$67,240	$68,880	$82,000
25th Percentile	$88,560	$90,720	$108,000
Median (50th)	$112,652	$115,399	$137,380
75th Percentile	$143,500	$147,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$162,360	$166,320	$198,000

Percentile

Jonesboro

10th Percentile

$67,240

25th Percentile

$88,560

Median (50th)

$112,652

75th Percentile

$143,500

90th Percentile

$162,360

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Jonesboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $67,240 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $112,652, a air traffic controller in Jonesboro earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Jonesboro's median air traffic controller salary of $112,652 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $112,652 in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Jonesboro 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.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas