Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Burlington, IA: $73,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,973 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,829 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring air traffic controllers, Burlington, IA, offers a starting air traffic controller salary that begins at $73,973 as projected for 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary for the city, which is $127,541. New graduates can expect to see a growth trajectory in the first few years of their careers, with potential salaries moving from entry-level positions to around $91,829 within 3-5 years. Given local economic conditions and the demand for controllers, Burlington remains a viable market for new graduates looking to launch their careers in air traffic control, even though the starting pay is below the national average of $151,886.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Burlington, IA typically start between $73,973 and $91,829 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,327 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,541 — 16.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Iowa of $32,000 represents just 43.26% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($73,973/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $73,973 to $91,829, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average 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 Burlington is $101,327 ( 136.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,973, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,300.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,841
2025 BLS Actual
$72,120
2026 Current Est.
$73,973
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,875 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,841 in 2019 to $72,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,875. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer for new graduates entering the air traffic control field. The agency recruits through various pathways, including periodic public hiring announcements that target applicants under 31, military veterans, and individuals affiliated with their Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To elevate starting pay in Iowa, candidates must meet requirements such as U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or relevant experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After initial training, controllers usually undergo facility-specific training that can take 1-3 years to reach full certification. In the first three years, it's realistic for new hires to expect a gradual increase in their earnings as they prove their skills and fulfill training requirements. With the FAA being a federal employer, salaries are structured under the FG pay scale. This scale may shift upwards significantly in top-tier facilities nationwide, yet new hires in Burlington can position themselves toward steady growth and a rewarding career within an in-demand field.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Burlington?
Is aviation school worth it in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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