Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $74.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Brighton, CO runs $74.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Brighton, Colorado, can expect a median hourly pay of $74.73, slightly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate provides a substantial income for both full-time and part-time controllers. Part-time workers, for instance, might find substantial value in their roles, especially when considering positions at en route centers or busy airport traffic control towers where the work environment varies significantly. The hourly pay ranges from $43.35 at entry-level positions to about $107.63 for experienced professionals; thus, controllers can benefit from career progression, with a distinct upward path leading to higher compensation and greater responsibility. The data reflects projections for 2026, derived from the comprehensive BLS state-level assessments alongside regional price parity considerations.
About the Brighton 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) | $43.35 | $346.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.90 | $431.20 |
| Median (P50) | $74.73 | $597.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.67 | $765.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.63 | $861.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $74.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $155,444 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,679. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,989.30 | $12,954 | $155,444 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,793.58 | $7,772 | $93,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,195.72 | $5,181 | $62,177 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Brighton) | $74.73 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $155,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $163,121.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.73/hr = $93,266/year (purchasing power: $88,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,444/year (purchasing power: $148,042).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Brighton grew 20.4% from $60.51/hr (2019) to $72.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.65/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
When examining the realities of part-time air traffic controller compensation, it's apparent that those working three days a week, putting in 24 hours total, will earn a varying annual income depending on their hourly engagements and skillsets. Controllers in Brighton often take advantage of opportunities for overtime, where they are compensated at 1.5 times their base rate. This dynamic pushes overall earnings well beyond the standard hourly rate, with some in high-demand positions working upwards of 50-60 hours per week, significantly augmenting their total annual compensation by $50,000 to $100,000. Variations across employer types also play a substantial part in earnings; controllers at FAA en route facilities might make different hourly rates compared to those at contract towers. Additionally, the benefits associated with full-time work appeal to many, especially as controllers weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits against stable employment with comprehensive healthcare offerings. Understanding the specifics of negotiation can lead to better outcomes for hourly workers seeking to maximize their earnings in Brighton, CO, particularly in a competitive environment shaped by chronic staffing challenges in the air traffic control sector.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Brighton in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Brighton?
Are air traffic controllers in Brighton paid hourly or salary?
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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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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