Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $163,986 | $169,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.84 | $81.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,112 | $98,291▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,069 | $122,015▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $209,902 | $216,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,529 | $262,673▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $5,480 (3.34%). Colorado Springs's median is +11.57% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $151,417,Colorado Springs spans $164,382. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($161,396 effective) pays 3.34% more than Boulder ($156,177 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($262,673)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,396)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Boulder grew 2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$156,257 (2024) → $159,877 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$109,600 (2023) → $165,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
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