Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Saratoga Springs, UT: $85,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Saratoga Springs, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,292 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Saratoga Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,944 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,056) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected entry-level air traffic controller salary in Saratoga Springs, Utah set at $85,292 in 2026, new graduates can have realistic expectations for a solid start in their careers. This starting figure sits well below the median annual salary of $147,056 for the area, indicating a significant gap for early-career professionals. However, there is a clear path for salary growth in this profession; many controllers can move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $105,880, within just a couple of years. For recent graduates, Saratoga Springs presents a favorable job market for aspiring controllers, especially when considering the ongoing demand for skilled professionals due to chronic understaffing in air traffic control positions across the country.
About the Saratoga Springs Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Saratoga Springs
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 Saratoga Springs
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Saratoga Springs, UT typically start between $85,292 and $105,880 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,056 — 3.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 37.52% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,292/year) in Saratoga Springs. 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 Saratoga Springs
- 1Research the Saratoga Springs market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,292 to $105,880, 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 Saratoga Springs, 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 Saratoga Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Saratoga Springs'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 Saratoga Springs is $122,140 ( 143.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,292, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,432.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,456
2025 BLS Actual
$83,155
2026 Current Est.
$85,292
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Saratoga Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,153 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,484 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Saratoga Springs, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,456 in 2019 to $83,155 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,484. New graduates entering the Saratoga Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs
Assessing potential employers in Saratoga Springs reveals that the FAA is a primary recruiter for entry-level positions, utilizing various pathways like off-the-street hiring announcements and partnerships through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). For new controllers, meeting credentials that include U.S. citizenship, educational requirements, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) is critical. Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, typically lasting 3-5 months, is also a paid opportunity that can enhance starting pay. Early career strategies should emphasize competency in this specific market, as controllers on the FG pay scale can expect steady salary increments over their first few years. While entry-level pay might start on the lower end, those who are diligent can see substantial increases as they become certified to manage more complex airspace, offering significant earning potential with additional shifts and overtime in more competitive facilities.
More salary data for Saratoga Springs, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Saratoga Springs in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Saratoga Springs?
Is aviation school worth it in Saratoga Springs?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Saratoga Springs?
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 Saratoga Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Saratoga Springs 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