Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Caldwell, ID: $87,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Caldwell, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,839 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caldwell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $92,171 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($151,446) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caldwell, Idaho, new graduates entering the air traffic controller workforce can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $87,839 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, as the median annual salary for this position in Caldwell is projected to be $151,446. Thus, entry-level controllers will typically earn significantly less than the average for their peers, with a gap of approximately $63,607. However, there is considerable potential for salary growth within the first 3-5 years of employment, where individuals can progress towards the 25th percentile earning $110,683 and eventually reach the median salary. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.57% for this occupation, Caldwell presents a favorable market for new graduates, especially for those eager to embark on a rewarding career in air traffic control.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Caldwell
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 Caldwell
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Caldwell, ID typically start between $87,839 and $110,683 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $127,038 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $151,446 — 0.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Idaho of $28,000 represents just 31.88% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($87,839/year) in Caldwell. 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 Caldwell
- 1Research the Caldwell market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $87,839 to $110,683, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Caldwell, 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 Caldwell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Caldwell'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 Caldwell is $127,038 ( 144.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,839, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,877.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,619
2025 BLS Actual
$85,638
2026 Current Est.
$87,839
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,619 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,457 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,635 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,096 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Caldwell, ID grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,619 in 2019 to $85,638 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,096. New graduates entering the Caldwell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell 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 Caldwell
Employers in Caldwell primarily recruit new graduates through the FAA, specifically via public bid windows for 'off-the-street' hiring along with partnerships through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Candidates looking to enter this field must be under 31 years old unless they are military veterans and should have either a bachelor’s degree or a combination of experience equivalent to three years. To enhance starting pay, applicants will need to pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. The process can take several years, as controllers typically complete facility-specific training to certify as full Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). With the challenges of chronic understaffing in the sector and mandatory retirement at age 56, those starting their careers as air traffic controllers can expect realistic salary increases to align with the federal FG pay scale, all while navigating the career landscape for opportunities in high-paying en route facilities.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
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 Caldwell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caldwell 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