Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Draper, UT: $86,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Draper, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,196 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Draper's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,865 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($148,613) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Draper, Utah can expect an entry-level salary starting around $86,196. This starting figure is significantly below the city’s median annual income of $148,613, indicating a substantial gap as these new controllers embark on their careers. However, there is a path for growth within the profession. Over the first few years, a new air traffic controller can realistically aim to progress from the entry-level pay to the 25th percentile salary of $107,001 and beyond, depending on performance and experience. With the projected growth rate of 2.57%, Draper appears to be a viable market for aspiring controllers, especially given the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in air traffic management.
About the Draper Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Draper
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 Draper
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Draper, UT typically start between $86,196 and $107,001 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,943 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $148,613 — 2.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 37.12% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($86,196/year) in Draper. 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 Draper
- 1Research the Draper market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $86,196 to $107,001, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Draper, 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 Draper for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Draper'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 Draper is $126,943 ( 147.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,196, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,139.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,223
2025 BLS Actual
$84,036
2026 Current Est.
$86,196
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Draper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,971 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,411 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Draper, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,223 in 2019 to $84,036 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,411. New graduates entering the Draper job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Draper 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 Draper
For those looking to advance quickly, understanding the hiring landscape is crucial. The FAA actively recruits new controllers through avenues like periodic public bid windows and partnerships with universities participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Applicants typically need to be under age 31, unless they are military veterans who can take advantage of the Veterans Recruitment Authority pathway. Excelling in continuing education and obtaining credentials such as a bachelor’s degree or passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) can lead to higher starting pay. In their initial years, controllers often find opportunities for overtime, particularly at top-tier en route facilities, which can significantly enhance their earnings. As they work within the FG pay scale, it is essential for new controllers in Draper to be aware of the mandatory retirement at age 56, creating a dynamic atmosphere where early career growth is both necessary and possible in this high-demand field.
More salary data for Draper, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Draper in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Draper?
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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 Draper. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Draper 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