Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kaysville, UT: $84,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Kaysville, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,105 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kaysville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,734 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaysville, UT, the entry-level air traffic controller salary is projected to start at approximately $84,105 in 2026. This initial figure represents a significant stepping stone for new graduates, as it reflects the starting salary for a profession that can lead to greater earnings over time. With a median annual salary of $145,009 in the region, there's a notable gap that entry-level controllers will work to close. Over the first three to five years, new professionals can expect to advance through the pay scale, hitting around $108,228 at the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience and demonstrate their capabilities. Given Kaysville's current investment in aviation and air traffic control sectors, this is a favorable market for new graduates seeking to launch their careers.
About the Kaysville Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kaysville
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 Kaysville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Kaysville, UT typically start between $84,105 and $108,228 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,392 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,009 — 4.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 38.05% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,105/year) in Kaysville. 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 Kaysville
- 1Research the Kaysville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,105 to $108,228, 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 Kaysville, 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 Kaysville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kaysville'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 Kaysville is $125,392 ( 149.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,105, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,497.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,448
2025 BLS Actual
$81,998
2026 Current Est.
$84,105
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kaysville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,666 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,267 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Kaysville, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,448 in 2019 to $81,998 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,267. New graduates entering the Kaysville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaysville 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 Kaysville
Landing a job as a fresh air traffic controller often involves navigating the hiring practices of the FAA, which recruits through various pathways such as CTI partnerships and public bid windows. Candidates should note that the FAA sets an age limit of 31 for new applicants, except for military veterans, making it crucial for new graduates to act swiftly. Aspiring controllers will need to meet specific requirements, including U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Achieving credentials early on can lead to higher salaries and career advancement. Additionally, the role is characterized by unique pressures, including mandatory retirement at age 56. Realistic salary growth in Kaysville suggests that first-year controllers can expect to see substantial pay increases, particularly as they transition from initial training to full certification, ultimately gaining access to overtime pay and enhanced benefits that federal employment provides.
More salary data for Kaysville, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Kaysville in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Kaysville?
Is aviation school worth it in Kaysville?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Kaysville?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Kaysville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaysville 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