Highland vs Salt Lake City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Highland, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Highland, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,221 | $165,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.41 | $79.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,329▲ | $78,528 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,936 | $146,039▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,746 | $177,569▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,373 | $196,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Highland.
The salary gap between Highland and Salt Lake City is $25,573 (18.24%). Salt Lake City's median is +9.16% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Highland spans $106,044,Salt Lake City spans $118,068. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($164,367 effective) pays 14.99% more than Highland ($142,937 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Highland if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,596)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,367)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Highland grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Highland, UT
$121,864 (2024) → $136,708 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$139,110 (2021) → $161,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Highland, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Highland or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Highland and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Highland to Salt Lake City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Highland vs Salt Lake City?
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