Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springville, UT: $81,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Springville, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,986 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,574 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,356) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control profession in Springville, the starting air traffic controller salary ranges from $81,986 to $101,776, depending on experience and qualifications. This is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $141,356, creating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate as they build their skills. However, the growth trajectory proves to be promising, as diligent progression in the first few years can lead to salaries that align more closely with the median figure. Given Springville’s relatively stable job market and the increasing demand for air traffic controllers, it currently presents a viable opportunity for those looking to establish their careers in this essential field.
About the Springville Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springville
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 Springville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Springville, UT typically start between $81,986 and $101,776 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,356 — 6.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 39.03% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,986/year) in Springville. 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 Springville
- 1Research the Springville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,986 to $101,776, 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 Springville, 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 Springville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springville'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 Springville is $115,300 ( 140.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,986, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,286.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,647
2025 BLS Actual
$79,932
2026 Current Est.
$81,986
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,009 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,252 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,093 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Springville, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,647 in 2019 to $79,932 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,093. New graduates entering the Springville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springville 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 Springville
Employment avenues in Springville for new air traffic controllers primarily include the FAA, which hires through specific public bid windows, frequently targeting candidates under 31 who are not military veterans. Those graduating from programs associated with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) can also increase their hiring chances. To elevate starting pay, applicants should focus on qualifying credentials: being a U.S. citizen, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing FAA Academy training are crucial. Controllers typically progress through greater responsibilities within 1-3 years, moving from their initial roles to Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). While salary growth expectations in this market may evolve positively, aiming for a long-term career strategy is wise; shifting from local positions to top-tier en route facilities can yield substantial financial rewards, given the potential for total earnings to surpass $200,000 with available overtime and differentials.
More salary data for Springville, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Springville 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 Springville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springville 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