Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Montpelier, VT: $83,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Montpelier, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,975 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montpelier's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,135 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,785) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Opportunities for recent graduates looking to become air traffic controllers in Montpelier, Vermont, offer an encouraging starting point with a projected entry-level salary of $83,975 in 2026. This figure falls considerably below the city median of $144,785, highlighting a notable gap that new professionals can expect at the outset of their careers. However, there is a clear growth trajectory within this field; aspiring controllers can realistically aim to progress to $104,245 after gaining a few years of experience, moving gradually toward the city's median salary. With a solid annual growth rate of 2.57%, Montpelier currently presents a viable market for new graduates seeking employment in this profession, allowing them to build their skills and advance in a structured federal pay system.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montpelier
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 Montpelier
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Montpelier, VT typically start between $83,975 and $104,245 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,327 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,785 — 4.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Vermont of $48,000 represents just 57.16% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($83,975/year) in Montpelier. 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 Montpelier
- 1Research the Montpelier market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $83,975 to $104,245, 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 Montpelier, 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 Montpelier for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Montpelier'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 Montpelier is $112,327 ( 133.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,975, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,302.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,337
2025 BLS Actual
$81,871
2026 Current Est.
$83,975
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,337 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,828 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,133 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Montpelier, VT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,337 in 2019 to $81,871 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,133. New graduates entering the Montpelier job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier 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 Montpelier
In Montpelier, new air traffic controllers are primarily hired by the FAA through various pathways. Those aspiring to enter this career should note that eligibility criteria typically include being under the age of 31 for off-the-street hiring, except for military veterans. The FAA also collaborates with specific universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which can significantly enhance job prospects for graduates. Essential qualifications include U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After being selected, aspiring controllers undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which typically lasts 3-5 months. Realistic salary growth in the first few years is achievable, especially given that federal employment on the FG pay scale allows for significant increases once individuals progress to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, with total compensation growing considerably due to overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Montpelier. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montpelier 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