Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kansas City, KS: $120,894 (2026)

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

Kansas City offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $1,373 above the Kansas state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Kansas City 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. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$72,160	$71,340	$82,000
25th Percentile	$95,040	$93,960	$108,000
Median (50th)	$120,894	$119,521	$137,380
75th Percentile	$154,000	$152,250	$175,000
90th Percentile	$174,240	$172,260	$198,000

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$72,160

25th Percentile

$95,040

Median (50th)

$120,894

75th Percentile

$154,000

90th Percentile

$174,240

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Kansas City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Kansas City earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Kansas City's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Kansas City 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 Kansas City? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Kansas City 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 Kansas City, Kansas