Denver vs Fort Collins: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $179,508▲ | $161,588 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.30▲ | $77.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,115▲ | $93,721 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,245▲ | $116,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $229,770▲ | $206,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $274,725▲ | $238,124 |
| Total Employed | 139▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $17,920 (11.09%). 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,Fort Collins spans $144,403. 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 11.09% more than Fort Collins ($153,893 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 Fort Collins 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 2.3% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$142,080 (2019) → $175,010 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$153,972 (2024) → $157,539 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Denver or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Denver to Fort Collins as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Denver vs Fort Collins?
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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