Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Englewood, CO: $92,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Englewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,402 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Englewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,002 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($159,314) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating and stepping into the field as an air traffic controller in Englewood, Colorado, offers promising financial rewards. For individuals starting out in this profession, the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Englewood is projected at $92,402 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $159,314, creating a gap that new graduates should keep in mind. However, within the first few years, the growth trajectory is favorable, with salaries expected to rise to approximately $114,706 at the 25th percentile. Englewood's air traffic controller market is presently robust, presenting numerous opportunities for those just beginning their careers in this essential field.
About the Englewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Englewood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Englewood
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Englewood, CO typically start between $92,402 and $114,706 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,107 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $159,314 — 4.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Colorado of $42,000 represents just 45.45% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,402/year) in Englewood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Englewood
- 1Research the Englewood market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,402 to $114,706, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Englewood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Englewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Englewood's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Englewood is $129,107 ( 139.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,402, experienced hygienists can earn up to $221,509.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,496
2025 BLS Actual
$90,087
2026 Current Est.
$92,402
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Englewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,585 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,047 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,777 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Englewood, CO grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,496 in 2019 to $90,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,777. New graduates entering the Englewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Englewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Englewood
Those eager to launch their careers as air traffic controllers in Englewood should consider organizations that actively recruit new graduates. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a primary employer, recruiting through both public bid windows aimed at individuals under 31 and partnerships with universities through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Critical credentials include U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Initial training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City lasts between three to five months, followed by facility-specific training that can take one to three years to certify as a full Certified Professional Controller (CPC). Given the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the impact of chronic understaffing in the air traffic control sector, there is potential for sustained salary growth, especially for those in top-tier facilities. Strategic entry, especially within the first 1-3 years, can lead to higher earnings as one advances from the entry-level range into more lucrative positions with total compensation potentially reaching impressive figures in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.
More salary data for Englewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Englewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Englewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov