Castle Rock vs Denver: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,648 | $179,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.24 | $86.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,176 | $104,115▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,484 | $129,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $202,943 | $229,770▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,391 | $274,725▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 139▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Denver is $18,860 (11.74%). Denver's median is +18.19% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Castle Rock spans $133,215,Denver spans $170,610. Denver 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, Denver ($170,960 effective) pays 11.74% more than Castle Rock ($152,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($179,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($274,725)
- ✓Larger job market (139 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $170,960)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Castle Rock grew 2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Denver over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$153,077 (2024) → $156,623 (2025)
Denver, CO
$142,080 (2019) → $175,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Castle Rock or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Castle Rock and Denver?
Should I relocate from Castle Rock to Denver as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Castle Rock vs Denver?
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