Transportation & Logistics Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median air traffic controller salary in Saint Louis, MO is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$123,642
vs State Avg
+$2,748
vs National
$-13,738
Cost of Living
90%

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

Saint Louis offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $2,748 above the Missouri state average of $120,894. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Saint Louis spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
10th Percentile $73,800
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $123,642
75th Percentile $157,500
90th Percentile $178,200

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$126,390
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$120,894
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$116,773
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$112,652
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Saint Louis, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Saint Louis earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $120,894. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Saint Louis 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.