Boise vs Eagle: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Boise, ID and Eagle, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise, ID | Eagle, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,758▲ | $143,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.89▲ | $68.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,340▲ | $82,993 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,146▲ | $103,031 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,369▲ | $181,158 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $233,667▲ | $200,732 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eagle.
The salary gap between Boise and Eagle is $12,666 (8.85%). Boise's median is +2.55% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $143,327,Eagle spans $117,739. Boise 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, Boise ($163,440 effective) pays 8.85% more than Eagle ($150,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,667)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,440)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Eagle if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Boise grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Eagle over the same period.
Boise, ID
$123,479 (2024) → $151,855 (2025)
Eagle, ID
$113,439 (2024) → $139,507 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Boise or Eagle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Eagle?
Should I relocate from Boise to Eagle as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Boise vs Eagle?
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