Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Burlington, VT: $92,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,945) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
With an expected entry-level air traffic controller salary in Burlington, Vermont projected at $92,826 for 2026, new graduates will find themselves navigating a competitive market. This starting figure represents a noticeable gap from the city's median annual salary of $111,945, indicating potential salary growth as individuals advance their careers. Over the first few years, aspiring controllers can expect their earnings to rise gradually, reaching approximately $104,457 at the 25th percentile before moving toward the city's median within 3-5 years. Given this trajectory, Burlington appears to be an encouraging market for new graduates looking to begin their careers in air traffic control.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Burlington, VT typically start between $92,826 and $104,457 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,577 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,945 — 26.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Vermont of $48,000 represents just 51.71% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,826/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,826 to $104,457, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $50,577 ( 54.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,403.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,350
2025 BLS Actual
$90,500
2026 Current Est.
$92,826
2019–2027 Growth
+60.4%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,926 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,211 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 52.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,350 in 2019 to $90,500 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,211. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, the primary employers of entry-level air traffic controllers include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits through various channels, including CTI program partnerships and public bid windows for candidates under 31 years old. New hires need to fulfill specific credentials such as US citizenship and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) for consideration. Furthermore, completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and undergoing facility-specific training can enhance a new grad air traffic controller's pay in VT. It is also crucial for newcomers to remain aware of the mandatory retirement age of 56, as it affects long-term career planning. This context, combined with the FG pay scale that differentiates FAA controllers from General Schedule employees, suggests that with dedication and the right training, early-career professionals can see a progressive increase in their salaries as they gain experience within the industry.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Burlington in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Burlington?
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Related Pages
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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