Draper vs West Jordan: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Draper, UT and West Jordan, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Draper, UT | West Jordan, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,613 | $151,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.45 | $72.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,196 | $87,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,001 | $108,998▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $189,965 | $193,774▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,139 | $230,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 25▲ |
Verdict
West Jordan, UT offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Draper.
The salary gap between Draper and West Jordan is $2,773 (1.87%). West Jordan's median is -0.33% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Draper spans $126,943,West Jordan spans $142,995. West Jordan 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, West Jordan ($154,318 effective) pays 1.87% more than Draper ($151,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Draper if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose West Jordan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,799)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,318)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Draper grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in West Jordan over the same period.
Draper, UT
$129,156 (2024) → $144,889 (2025)
West Jordan, UT
$131,566 (2024) → $147,593 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Draper, UT
West Jordan, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Draper or West Jordan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Draper and West Jordan?
Should I relocate from Draper to West Jordan as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Draper vs West Jordan?
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