Transportation & Logistics Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median air traffic controller salary in Little Rock, AR is $119,521 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$119,521
vs State Avg
+$4,122
vs National
$-17,859
Cost of Living
87%

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

Little Rock offers a median air traffic controller salary of $119,521, which is $4,122 above the Arkansas state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $119,521 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Little Rock spans from $71,340 at the 10th percentile to $172,260 at the 90th percentile — a $100,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,950, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,300. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $73,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,800
$-18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,300
$-24,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $71,340
25th Percentile $93,960
Median (50th) $119,521
75th Percentile $152,250
90th Percentile $172,260

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$120,894
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$115,399
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$112,652
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$109,904
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Little Rock

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $119,521 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $71,340 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,521, a air traffic controller in Little Rock earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Little Rock's median air traffic controller salary of $119,521 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $119,521 in Little Rock 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 Little Rock? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Little Rock 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.