Aurora vs Brighton: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Aurora, CO and Brighton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Brighton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,480▲ | $155,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.52▲ | $74.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,139▲ | $90,163 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,585▲ | $112,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,375▲ | $198,982 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $253,026▲ | $223,863 |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Aurora and Brighton is $12,026 (7.74%). Aurora's median is +10.27% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $155,887,Brighton spans $133,700. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($159,505 effective) pays 7.74% more than Brighton ($148,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,480/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($253,026)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,505)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Aurora grew 2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.3% growth in Brighton over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$159,587 (2024) → $163,284 (2025)
Brighton, CO
$148,127 (2024) → $151,559 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Brighton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Aurora or Brighton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Brighton?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Brighton as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Aurora vs Brighton?
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov