Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Windsor, CO: $93,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,356 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,910 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($160,959) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Windsor, Colorado, the starting salary presents a promising opportunity. The anticipated entry-level pay for 2026 is $93,356, which, while significantly less than the city median annual salary of $160,959, allows for a substantial growth path. New graduates can expect to reach the 25th percentile level of $115,891 within a few years, gaining valuable experience that will eventually lead them to the median figure. Given Windsor's competitive job market and the growing demand for air traffic controllers, this entry-level salary indicates a robust opening for individuals looking to start their careers in this essential field.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Windsor, CO typically start between $93,356 and $115,891 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,688 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $160,959 — 5.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Colorado of $42,000 represents just 44.99% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,356/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,356 to $115,891, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $133,688 ( 143.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,356, experienced hygienists can earn up to $227,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,306
2025 BLS Actual
$91,017
2026 Current Est.
$93,356
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,755 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,306 in 2019 to $91,017 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,755. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer seeking fresh talent in the air traffic control sector. The FAA recruits new controllers through various pathways, including "off-the-street" hiring announcements and partnerships with universities as part of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Entry-level applicants generally must be under the age of 31 unless they qualify through military service. A competitive edge is gained through relevant credentials such as a bachelor's degree or prior work experience alongside passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Over the first few years, new graduates should aim for roles in en route or terminal facilities, considering that the possibility of mandatory retirement at age 56 creates openings in a field that often experiences chronic understaffing issues. This context suggests that diligent new controllers could see their compensation rise considerably beyond starting air traffic controller salaries as they progress, aligning their earnings more closely with industry standards that reward experience and specialization.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Windsor?
Is aviation school worth it in Windsor?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Colorado?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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