St. Louis airport director pay cap set to triple

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is voting on a proposal to raise the annual salary cap for the next Lambert International Airport director from $208,000 to $650,000. The airport has operated without a permanent director for two months since the previous leader retired. City officials say the higher pay is necessary to attract top candidates from across the country.

The pay increase comes as Lambert prepares to start a multibillion-dollar terminal consolidation project. Mayor Cara Spencer defended the change during the committee process. She stated that airport operations are funded by airline rates and user fees, not local taxpayers. “When you look at what airport directors nationwide are being paid, it is in line with what airport directors are being paid,” Spencer said.

Spencer added that the city is entering a major investment phase. She called the terminal consolidation project one of the most important investments in the airport’s recent history. The mayor said the project will put the airport on a path for growth that matches the city’s needs.

The legislation passed out of committee on Thursday. It now moves to the full Board of Aldermen for a final vote. If approved, the new salary cap will apply to the next person hired for the director position.