Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kearney, NE: $118,147 (2026)

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

Kearney offers a median air traffic controller salary of $118,147, which is $5,495 below the Nebraska state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $118,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Kearney spans from $70,520 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $99,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$120,400

$-19,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$163,400

$-26,600 vs national

Percentile	Kearney	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$70,520	$73,800	$82,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$97,200	$108,000
Median (50th)	$118,147	$123,642	$137,380
75th Percentile	$150,500	$157,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$170,280	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

Kearney

10th Percentile

$70,520

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$118,147

75th Percentile

$150,500

90th Percentile

$170,280

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Kearney

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kearney

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Kearney, NE? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $118,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $70,520 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $118,147, a air traffic controller in Kearney earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Kearney's median air traffic controller salary of $118,147 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼

Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $118,147 in Kearney 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 Kearney? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Kearney 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 Kearney, Nebraska