Air Traffic Controller Salary

South Jordan vs West Jordan: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between South Jordan, UT and West Jordan, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

South Jordan, UT
$149,982
$72.11/hr
West Jordan, UT
$151,386
$72.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSouth Jordan, UTWest Jordan, UT
Median Salary$149,982$151,386
Hourly Rate$72.11$72.78
Entry Level (P10)$86,990$87,804
25th Percentile$107,987$108,998
75th Percentile$190,332$193,774
Top Earner (P90)$212,032$230,799
Total Employed1925
Side-by-side bar chart comparing South Jordan ($149,982) and West Jordan ($151,386) air traffic controller salaries.South JordanWest JordanMedian Salary$149,982$151,386Entry Level (P10)$86,990$87,804Top Earner (P90)$212,032$230,799US Median $151,886

Verdict

West Jordan, UT offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Jordan.

The salary gap between South Jordan and West Jordan is $1,404 (0.94%). 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 South Jordan spans $125,042,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.

South Jordan
P10 (Entry)$86,990
P25$107,987
Median$149,982
P75$190,332
P90 (Top)$212,032
West Jordan
P10 (Entry)$87,804
P25$108,998
Median$151,386
P75$193,774
P90 (Top)$230,799

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, West Jordan ($154,318 effective) pays 0.94% more than South Jordan ($152,887 effective).

South Jordan
Nominal: $149,982
CoL Index: 98.1
Adjusted: $152,887
West Jordan
Nominal: $151,386
CoL Index: 98.1
Adjusted: $154,318

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose South Jordan 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 South Jordan grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in West Jordan over the same period.

South Jordan, UT

+12.2%

$130,346 (2024) → $146,224 (2025)

West Jordan, UT

+12.2%

$131,566 (2024) → $147,593 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: South Jordan or West Jordan?

West Jordan has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $151,386/year, compared to South Jordan at $149,982/year — a difference of $1,404 (0.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between South Jordan and West Jordan?

South Jordan air traffic controllers earn $72.11/hr while West Jordan hygienists earn $72.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from South Jordan to West Jordan as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing South Jordan and West Jordan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: South Jordan = $152,887, West Jordan = $154,318), job availability (19 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in South Jordan vs West Jordan?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $86,990 in South Jordan and $87,804 in West Jordan. The West Jordan area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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