Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laramie, WY: $85,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,551 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,302 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,501) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Laramie, Wyoming, can expect to start with a salary of approximately $85,551. This initial earning is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $147,501, establishing a sizable gap that reflects both the entry-level nature of the position and the requisite experience needed for advancement. However, the trajectory for salary growth in the early years is promising, as entry-level controllers can expect to rise through the pay scale with experience and performance, advancing toward the P25 benchmark of $106,201 within the first few years. Given the current demand for air traffic controllers and Wyoming's strategic location, Laramie is an appealing market for new graduates seeking a foothold in this profession.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Laramie, WY typically start between $85,551 and $106,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,702 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,501 — 2.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $25,000 represents just 29.22% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,551/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,551 to $106,201, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $117,702 ( 137.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,551, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,253.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,675
2025 BLS Actual
$83,407
2026 Current Est.
$85,551
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,675 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,387 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,749 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,675 in 2019 to $83,407 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,749. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
To secure a role as a new grad air traffic controller in Laramie, aspiring candidates should focus on the employment pipelines that primarily hire recent graduates. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducts periodic "off-the-street" hiring announcements, targeting individuals under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. Successful applicants typically complete the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program or transfer from military service under the Veterans Recruitment Authority pathway. Boosting credentials through a bachelor's degree, progressive work experience, or completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) significantly improves starting air traffic controller pay in WY. Once employed, controllers enter a period of extensive on-the-job training, which can last from 1 to 3 years before achieving full certification. In the first three years, controller salaries generally increase as individuals progress from entry-level roles to the higher echelons of the FG pay scale. Given the chronic staffing shortages affecting air traffic control, opportunities for overtime and higher pay rates are likely on the horizon, particularly as controllers approach the mandatory retirement age of 56.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Laramie?
Is aviation school worth it in Laramie?
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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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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