Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Orem, UT: $84,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Orem, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,655 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orem's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,295 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,957) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Orem, Utah, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $84,655 in 2026, a figure that represents the 10th percentile of pay for this profession. Although this entry-level salary is below the overall median of $145,957 for air traffic controllers in the area, it sets a foundation for significant financial growth as new hires gain experience and advance through their careers. Many entry-level professionals can expect to progress toward the 25th percentile pay of $105,089 within their first few years, moving closer to the median as they build their skills. Orem's market, coupled with the projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, makes it a promising location for recent graduates pursuing opportunities in this essential field, providing considerable potential for salary increases and career advancement.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orem
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 Orem
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Orem, UT typically start between $84,655 and $105,089 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,017 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,957 — 3.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 37.80% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,655/year) in Orem. 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 Orem
- 1Research the Orem market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,655 to $105,089, 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 Orem, 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 Orem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orem'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 Orem is $134,017 ( 158.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,655, experienced hygienists can earn up to $218,672.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,915
2025 BLS Actual
$82,534
2026 Current Est.
$84,655
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,915 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,651 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,187 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,831 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Orem, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,915 in 2019 to $82,534 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,831. New graduates entering the Orem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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 Orem
In Orem, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively recruits entry-level air traffic controllers through various programs, including its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities and public bid announcements for "off-the-street" hiring. New applicants must be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans, making age and background significant factors in the hiring process. To maximize starting pay and long-term career prospects in Utah, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, such as US citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Successfully transitioning to full certified professional controllers (CPC) typically necessitates several years of training and facility-specific experience. New graduates can expect realistic salary growth during the first few years as they navigate the FG pay scale, ultimately positioning themselves for lucrative opportunities in top-tier facilities where experienced controllers can earn significantly more through overtime and shift differentials.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Orem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orem 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