Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moscow, ID: $84,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,975 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,166 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,509) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective air traffic controllers in Moscow, ID, can expect an entry-level salary of around $84,975 in 2026. While this initial pay rate may appear modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $146,509, new graduates often find a clear path for advancement within just a few years. For those starting at P10, there’s a realistic trajectory towards P25, with compensation eventually reaching $105,486 as they gain experience and skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, Moscow remains a viable market for new grads pursuing a career in air traffic control, especially considering the overall industry demand and the appeal of a federal pay structure that offers stability and opportunities for growth.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Moscow, ID typically start between $84,975 and $105,486 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,847 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,509 — 3.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Idaho of $28,000 represents just 32.95% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,975/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,975 to $105,486, 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 Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow'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 Moscow is $126,847 ( 149.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,975, experienced hygienists can earn up to $211,822.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,187
2025 BLS Actual
$82,846
2026 Current Est.
$84,975
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,187 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,743 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,159 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,187 in 2019 to $82,846 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,159. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
In terms of employment opportunities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer for new grads in Moscow. They conduct periodic recruitment through public hiring announcements, specifically seeking applicants under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. Graduates from programs affiliated with the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) will find themselves at an advantage during this hiring process. Credentials matter; candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, and pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Initial qualification training at the FAA Academy provides a solid foundation, after which trainees undergo facility-specific training that can take up to three years to complete. With a mandatory retirement age of 56, controllers can expect a competitive growth trajectory during their early years, especially given the potential for overtime due to chronic staffing shortages in many facilities. By strategically navigating these opportunities, new graduates can significantly improve their earnings potential while embarking on a fulfilling career in air traffic control.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Moscow in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Moscow?
Is aviation school worth it in Moscow?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Moscow?
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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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow 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