Henderson vs Las Vegas: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Henderson, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Henderson, NV | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,010 | $159,496▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.96 | $76.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,646 | $98,498▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,768 | $123,207▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $202,253▲ | $186,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $242,912▲ | $205,304 |
| Total Employed | 79 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Henderson.
The salary gap between Henderson and Las Vegas is $1,486 (0.94%). Las Vegas's median is +5.01% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Henderson spans $151,266,Las Vegas spans $106,806. Henderson 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, Henderson ($160,743 effective) pays 1.00% more than Las Vegas ($159,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Henderson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($242,912)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,743)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,496/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Henderson grew 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Henderson, NV
$151,334 (2024) → $154,051 (2025)
Las Vegas, NV
$131,680 (2019) → $155,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Henderson, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Henderson or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Henderson and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Henderson to Las Vegas as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Henderson vs Las Vegas?
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