Mesa vs Prescott: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Mesa, AZ and Prescott, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Prescott, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,563▲ | $144,348 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.11▲ | $69.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,447▲ | $83,722 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,486▲ | $106,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $210,641▲ | $184,765 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $243,118▲ | $206,122 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Prescott.
The salary gap between Mesa and Prescott is $20,215 (14.00%). Mesa's median is +8.35% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $147,671,Prescott spans $122,400. Mesa 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, Mesa ($167,069 effective) pays 14.00% more than Prescott ($146,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($243,118)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,069)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Prescott if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Mesa grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Prescott over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$146,094 (2024) → $160,440 (2025)
Prescott, AZ
$131,151 (2024) → $140,731 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Mesa or Prescott?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Prescott?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Prescott as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Mesa vs Prescott?
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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