Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Logan, UT: $83,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Logan, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,748 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Logan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,370 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,394) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new air traffic controllers in Logan, UT, are expected to be in the range of $83,748, which provides a competitive entry point for graduates entering the field in 2026. This figure, while lower than the city’s median salary of $144,394, reflects the typical trajectory for early-career professionals in a pivotal role. Over the first three to five years, novices can anticipate gradual salary increases as they possibly advance from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, where the expected starting air traffic controller salary Logan graduates might see is around $103,964. Given Logan's favorable market conditions and the projected 2.57% growth rate, new graduates stand a strong chance of navigating a successful career path in air traffic control, aligning their objectives with the evolving demands of this essential profession.
About the Logan Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Logan
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 Logan
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Logan, UT typically start between $83,748 and $103,964 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,394 — 4.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 38.21% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($83,748/year) in Logan. 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 Logan
- 1Research the Logan market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $83,748 to $103,964, 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 Logan, 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 Logan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Logan'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 Logan is $129,140 ( 154.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,748, experienced hygienists can earn up to $212,888.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,144
2025 BLS Actual
$81,650
2026 Current Est.
$83,748
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Logan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,901 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Logan, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,144 in 2019 to $81,650 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,901. New graduates entering the Logan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Logan 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 Logan
Opportunities in Logan for new air traffic controllers predominantly come from the FAA, which actively recruits employees through 'off-the-street' hiring announcements and strategic partnerships with educational institutions via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. While applicants must be under age 31 unless they're military veterans, those who qualify benefit from financial support during their time at the FAA Academy, which typically spans 3-5 months followed by specialized training that varies between 1-3 years based on the facility. To further enhance their starting pay in UT, aspiring controllers should aim to meet the rigorous standards set forth, including US citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing substantive qualifications. In the first few years, new controllers will see variable salary growth based on factors such as facility tier and overtime opportunities, particularly given the industry's persistent staffing shortages. This context makes an entry-level position not only a stepping stone but also a promising starting point for a lucrative long-term career in air traffic control.
More salary data for Logan, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Logan in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Logan?
Is aviation school worth it in Logan?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Logan?
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 Logan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Logan 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