Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rawlins, WY: $82,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,039 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,636 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,446) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as an air traffic controller in Rawlins, Wyoming, offers promising prospects, although new entrants should keep realistic salary expectations in mind. The starting air traffic controller salary in Rawlins is projected at $82,039 in 2026, which, while below the city median of $141,446, provides a solid foundation for those just beginning their careers. Entry-level controllers can expect to advance quickly, with the potential to reach $101,841 within a few years, reflecting a trajectory of growth that aligns with the 2.57% annual increase expected in this field. For new graduates, Rawlins presents a compelling market for air traffic control careers, particularly given the role's federal nature and stable demand.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $82,039 and $101,841 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,309 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,446 — 6.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $25,000 represents just 30.47% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,039/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,039 to $101,841, 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $117,309 ( 142.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,039, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,348.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,692
2025 BLS Actual
$79,983
2026 Current Est.
$82,039
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,692 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,709 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,147 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,692 in 2019 to $79,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,147. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
In this sector, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the primary employer for new graduates, particularly through entry points like the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and off-the-street hiring announcements. New applicants must comply with specific prerequisites, including US citizenship and the age limit of 31, relevant only to those without military service. Gaining credentials such as a bachelor's degree and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) also enhances starting pay opportunities in Wyoming. First-year strategies for controllers focus on maximizing training benefits—FAA Academy training is both robust and paid—while understanding the unique pay structure within the FG scale, which may differ from the more familiar GS scale. With continued chronic understaffing in facilities nationwide, controllers can anticipate competitive salaries after initial entry—especially given that top-tier en route locations can yield significantly higher earnings through overtime and shift differentials. Realistically, entry-level controllers in Rawlins can expect moderate salary growth in their first three years, aligning with the prevailing need for skilled professionals in the air traffic sector.
More salary data for Rawlins, 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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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