Air Traffic Controller Salary in Owensboro, KY: $112,652 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median air traffic controller salary of $112,652, which is $6,869 below the Kentucky state average of $119,521. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Owensboro 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. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, 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	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$67,240	$71,340	$82,000
25th Percentile	$88,560	$93,960	$108,000
Median (50th)	$112,652	$119,521	$137,380
75th Percentile	$143,500	$152,250	$175,000
90th Percentile	$162,360	$172,260	$198,000

Percentile

Owensboro

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 Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Owensboro, Kentucky 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 Owensboro? ▼

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

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Owensboro's median air traffic controller salary of $112,652 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $119,521. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

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

Most air traffic controller positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky