Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vineyard, UT: $81,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Vineyard, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,732 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vineyard's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,315 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,917) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career in air traffic control in Vineyard, Utah, the entry-level air traffic controller salary is projected to start at around $81,732 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $140,917, it reflects the starting point of a promising career path. Over the first few years, entry-level controllers can anticipate an upward trajectory in their salaries, moving toward the 25th percentile average of $101,460 as they gain experience and further qualifications. Given the ongoing demand for air traffic controllers in the region, Vineyard presents a favorable market for new grads ready to embark on this career, especially in light of the forecasted annual growth rate of 2.57% in this field.
About the Vineyard Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vineyard
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 Vineyard
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Vineyard, UT typically start between $81,732 and $101,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,884 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,917 — 7.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 39.15% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,732/year) in Vineyard. 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 Vineyard
- 1Research the Vineyard market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,732 to $101,460, 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 Vineyard, 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 Vineyard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vineyard'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 Vineyard is $107,884 ( 132.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,732, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,616.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,431
2025 BLS Actual
$79,684
2026 Current Est.
$81,732
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vineyard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,933 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,039 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,418 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,832 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Vineyard, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,431 in 2019 to $79,684 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,832. New graduates entering the Vineyard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vineyard 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 Vineyard
In terms of employment opportunities for new traffic controllers in Vineyard, the FAA actively recruits via several avenues tailored to attract recent graduates. The agency conducts periodic public bids for 'off-the-street' hiring, targeting applicants generally under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. Likewise, partnerships through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) connect universities with the FAA for streamlined recruitment. Credentials such as US citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressive work experience, plus passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) are vital steps for entry. Typically, new hires undergo several months of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City followed by facility-specific training, which can last 1-3 years to achieve full certification. As entry-level controllers are federal employees subject to the FG pay scale, understanding the industry's structure, including the competitive pay at major centers and the prospects for overtime, is essential for career growth. While starting pay may seem modest, commitment and continuous skill development can lead to significant growth within the profession, despite the landscape being marked by chronic staffing shortages since 2013.
More salary data for Vineyard, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Vineyard in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Vineyard?
Is aviation school worth it in Vineyard?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Vineyard?
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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 Vineyard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vineyard 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