Transportation & Logistics Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median air traffic controller salary in Lincoln, NE is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$123,642
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-13,738
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln'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 Lincoln 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 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
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 Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$127,763
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$126,390
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$118,147
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$115,399
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Lincoln, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Lincoln earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Lincoln's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Lincoln 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 Lincoln? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Lincoln 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.