Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Riverton, UT: $81,865 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Riverton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,865 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,451 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,148) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those just beginning their careers in air traffic control, a starting air traffic controller salary in Riverton, UT, is projected to be around $81,865 for 2026. When considering the city’s median annual salary of $141,148, entry-level controllers find themselves earning significantly less, yet there is a clear path for growth. In just a few years, many can expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $101,626 or move closer to the median, reflecting the competitive nature of both the field and Riverton’s job market. With a steady growth rate of 2.57% anticipated over the next five years, those entering this profession in Riverton are likely to see potential increases, making it a favorable environment for new graduates seeking a fulfilling career in air traffic management.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Riverton, UT typically start between $81,865 and $101,626 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,736 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,148 — 7.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 39.09% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,865/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,865 to $101,626, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $114,736 ( 140.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,865, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,601.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,545
2025 BLS Actual
$79,814
2026 Current Est.
$81,865
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,814 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,865 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,969 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,545 in 2019 to $79,814 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,969. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
The hiring landscape in Riverton for entry-level air traffic controllers primarily revolves around the FAA. New graduates can enter through the agency's periodic public bid windows, which favor candidates under 31, or through partnerships with universities as part of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Military veterans have unique pathways to enter owing to previous training. Starting to build credentials early is crucial; candidates must meet specific requirements like U.S. citizenship, age limits, and educational qualifications, along with passing the FAA's standardized aptitude test. Aspiring controllers should remain proactive, seeking roles where they can gain experience and build upon initial training, especially since full certification as a Control Tower Operator usually takes several years. Understanding that the pay scale for FAA controllers differs significantly from the GS scale will help newcomers set realistic salary growth expectations in their first few years, especially in a competitive market like Riverton.
More salary data for Riverton, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Riverton in 2026?
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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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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