Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $80.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Aurora, CO runs $80.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,486 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Aurora, Colorado, can expect a median hourly pay of $80.52, significantly above the national median of $73.02. This rate translates to substantial earnings for part-time workers, such as those who choose a three-day-per-week schedule, indicating a lucrative option for those desiring a balanced work-life arrangement or those pursuing per-diem opportunities. With an hourly range from $46.70 for entry-level positions to $121.65 for the highest earners, this field offers a compelling pay structure that varies widely based on experience and location type. Work environments include en route centers and airport traffic control towers, each offering unique challenges and benefits according to the staffing needs of the FAA.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.70 | $373.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.97 | $463.78 |
| Median (P50) | $80.52 | $644.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.06 | $824.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121.65 | $973.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $80.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $167,476 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,621. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,220.70 | $13,956 | $167,476 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,932.42 | $8,374 | $100,486 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,288.28 | $5,583 | $66,991 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Aurora) | $80.52 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Aurora, CO earn a median of $167,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% above the Colorado state average of $163,077.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.52/hr = $100,486/year (purchasing power: $95,701).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,476/year (purchasing power: $159,501).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Aurora grew 20.4% from $65.20/hr (2019) to $78.50/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Aurora
Evaluating the potential earnings for part-time air traffic controllers, a three-day workweek totaling approximately 24 hours can yield significant annual returns. However, full-time positions often come with the added incentive of overtime, which can elevate earnings dramatically. For controllers working at understaffed facilities, a typical 50-60 hour workweek is common, often pushing total compensation, including overtime, to levels exceeding $100,000 annually. For those in various employment situations—ranging from FAA en route centers to airport control towers or even contract environments—the negotiation landscape shifts. Controllers may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits or pursue higher pay from non-government positions while forgoing such benefits. Understanding these dynamics in Aurora can facilitate smarter career choices, especially for those interested in roles as per diem air traffic controllers, where negotiation skills can effectively enhance overall compensation while maintaining flexibility.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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