Air Traffic Controller Salary

Cheyenne vs Green River: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Green River, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cheyenne, WY
$147,835
$71.07/hr
Green River, WY
$139,134
$66.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCheyenne, WYGreen River, WY
Median Salary$147,835$139,134
Hourly Rate$71.07$66.90
Entry Level (P10)$85,744$82,904
25th Percentile$108,186$103,502
75th Percentile$189,229$175,034
Top Earner (P90)$219,002$191,779
Total Employed134
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cheyenne ($147,835) and Green River ($139,134) air traffic controller salaries.CheyenneGreen RiverMedian Salary$147,835$139,134Entry Level (P10)$85,744$82,904Top Earner (P90)$219,002$191,779US Median $151,886

Verdict

Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Green River.

The salary gap between Cheyenne and Green River is $8,701 (6.25%). Cheyenne's median is -2.67% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $133,258,Green River spans $108,875. Cheyenne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cheyenne
P10 (Entry)$85,744
P25$108,186
Median$147,835
P75$189,229
P90 (Top)$219,002
Green River
P10 (Entry)$82,904
P25$103,502
Median$139,134
P75$175,034
P90 (Top)$191,779

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cheyenne ($154,316 effective) pays 6.25% more than Green River ($145,234 effective).

Cheyenne
Nominal: $147,835
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $154,316
Green River
Nominal: $139,134
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $145,234

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cheyenne if…

  • Higher median salary ($147,835/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($219,002)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,316)
  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Choose Green River if…

  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Cheyenne grew 28.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Green River over the same period.

Cheyenne, WY

+28.7%

$111,981 (2024) → $144,131 (2025)

Green River, WY

+28.7%

$105,390 (2024) → $135,648 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Cheyenne or Green River?

Cheyenne has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $147,835/year, compared to Green River at $139,134/year — a difference of $8,701 (6.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Green River?

Cheyenne air traffic controllers earn $71.07/hr while Green River hygienists earn $66.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Green River as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cheyenne and Green River. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cheyenne = $154,316, Green River = $145,234), job availability (13 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Cheyenne vs Green River?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $85,744 in Cheyenne and $82,904 in Green River. The Cheyenne area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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