Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Loveland, CO: $75.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Loveland, CO runs $75.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,586 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Loveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Loveland, Colorado, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $75.76, which positions them slightly above the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers. For controllers opting for a three-day workweek, averaging 24 hours, they can leverage this rate effectively. In various settings, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, and airport control towers, hourly earnings can range from $43.94 for entry-level positions to an impressive $108.51 for top earners. These projections, derived from the latest annual salary data estimates, reflect the demand and expertise required to maintain air traffic safety and efficiency in this busy profession.
About the Loveland 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) | $43.94 | $351.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.55 | $436.37 |
| Median (P50) | $75.76 | $606.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.98 | $775.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.51 | $868.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Loveland
Based on $75.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Loveland, CO can expect to earn approximately $157,577 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,910. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Loveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Loveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,030.33 | $13,131 | $157,577 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,818.20 | $7,879 | $94,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,212.13 | $5,253 | $63,031 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Loveland) | $75.76 |
| 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 Loveland, CO earn a median of $157,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Colorado state average of $163,133.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.76/hr = $94,546/year (purchasing power: $90,044).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,577/year (purchasing power: $150,073).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Loveland grew 20.4% from $61.35/hr (2019) to $73.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.71/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 Loveland 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 Loveland
Part-time air traffic controllers in Loveland can expect to bring home a significantly different income compared to their full-time counterparts. If working just three days a week, they might earn around $59,918 annually based on a standard schedule. In contrast, full-time controllers often accumulate additional income through overtime, sometimes exceeding 60 hours a week, which can double or even triple their effective hourly compensation when factoring in overtime pay at 1.5 times the base rate. This potential for increased earnings speaks to the real-world demands within FAA facilities, where an acute need for staff can often drive controllers to work extended hours. Additionally, the type of employer can influence pay scales, with FAA en route centers typically offering more competitive rates compared to contract towers. While some may prioritize overall compensation without benefits, others accept slightly lower hourly rates for the added security of health insurance under federal employment. Negotiating for better terms, especially regarding scheduling and overtime, can be a vital aspect for those navigating the job market in Loveland’s air traffic control scene.
More salary data for Loveland, 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 Loveland. 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 Loveland 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