Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $78.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lakewood, CO runs $78.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,926 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $78.47, which is significantly higher than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This robust compensation reflects the complexities associated with overseeing air traffic at various control points, including en route center radar consoles and airport control tower cabs. Part-time and per-diem workers can find favorable opportunities in this role, especially in settings that often involve unconventional work hours. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay begins at approximately $45.51, but seasoned professionals can command rates up to $117.21 as they navigate through the intricacies of air traffic operations. Additionally, these hourly estimates are generated from projected annual salary data, providing a consistent framework for assessing earning potential in 2026.
About the Lakewood 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) | $45.51 | $364.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.50 | $451.96 |
| Median (P50) | $78.47 | $627.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.44 | $803.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.21 | $937.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $78.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $163,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,159. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,138.64 | $13,601 | $163,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,883.19 | $8,160 | $97,926 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,255.46 | $5,440 | $65,284 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lakewood) | $78.47 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $163,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $163,045.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.47/hr = $97,926/year (purchasing power: $93,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,209/year (purchasing power: $155,438).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lakewood grew 20.4% from $63.54/hr (2019) to $76.50/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.48/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Air traffic controllers working part-time, for instance, may find themselves earning substantial income while maintaining flexible schedules. A typical three-day workweek at 24 hours could yield an annual income well above $100,000, depending on the availability of overtime opportunities. The industry dynamic allows for substantial overtime pay at 1.5 times the base rate, particularly in understaffed facilities where controllers frequently clock 50 to 60 hours weekly, significantly enhancing their take-home earnings. While hourly rates vary among employers, ranging from federal FAA en route centers to military installations, many controllers see lower base pay exchanged for comprehensive benefits in federal roles, contrasting with higher-paying, benefit-light positions. Furthermore, negotiation tactics become critical, especially for per diem air traffic controller pay in Lakewood, allowing controllers to leverage their unique skills to optimize their compensation packages based on the varied demands of different facilities throughout the area.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
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
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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