Denver vs Colorado Springs: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Denver, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $179,508▲ | $169,466 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.30▲ | $81.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,115▲ | $98,291 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,245▲ | $122,015 |
| 75th Percentile | $229,770▲ | $216,917 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $274,725▲ | $262,673 |
| Total Employed | 139▲ | 98 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Colorado Springs is $10,042 (5.93%). 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 Denver spans $170,610,Colorado Springs spans $164,382. Denver 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, Denver ($170,960 effective) pays 5.93% more than Colorado Springs ($161,396 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Denver grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.7% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$142,080 (2019) → $175,010 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$109,600 (2023) → $165,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Denver or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Denver to Colorado Springs as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Denver vs Colorado Springs?
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