Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Green River, WY: $82,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Green River, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,904 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green River's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,539 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,134) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the air traffic controller field in Green River, Wyoming can expect a starting salary of approximately $82,904 in 2026. This entry-level figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $139,134, highlighting a significant pay progression opportunity within the first few years of employment. With a potential trajectory from the P10 range to P25 at $103,502, new graduates can anticipate a gradual increase as they gain experience and additional certifications. Given the competitive landscape of air traffic control and the ongoing demand for controllers, Green River presents a viable market for those launching their careers in this profession.
About the Green River Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Green River
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 Green River
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Green River, WY typically start between $82,904 and $103,502 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,875 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,134 — 8.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $25,000 represents just 30.16% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,904/year) in Green River. 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 Green River
- 1Research the Green River market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,904 to $103,502, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Green River, 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 Green River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Green River'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 Green River is $108,875 ( 131.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,904, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,779.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,427
2025 BLS Actual
$80,827
2026 Current Est.
$82,904
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Green River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,993 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,849 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,035 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Green River, WY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,427 in 2019 to $80,827 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,035. New graduates entering the Green River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green River 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 Green River
Employers such as the FAA actively recruit new graduates, particularly through programs like the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and public bid windows for off-the-street hiring. Candidates must typically be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. For new air traffic controllers in Wyoming, having a bachelor’s degree or demonstrable work experience greatly enhances earning potential. It's also critical to succeed in the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and to complete both initial qualification training at the FAA Academy and facility-specific training. Though salaries generally increase over the initial years, aspiring controllers should keep in mind the structured nature of the FG pay scale which influences earnings compared to the typical GS scale. Sustained overtime opportunities may arise due to chronic understaffing, particularly in higher-tier facilities, providing a solid path for financial growth and career advancement in the coming years.
More salary data for Green River, WY:
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 Green River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Green River 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