Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Windsor, CO: $77.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Windsor, CO runs $77.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Windsor's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Windsor, Colorado, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $77.39, which surpasses the national median of $73.02. This higher pay potential can attract professionals who may work part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers. With an hourly range from $44.88 for those starting in the field to $109.15 for top earners, air traffic control positions provide a unique financial landscape. Part-time workers, especially those putting in three days per week, can benefit significantly from this hourly structure, making the role appealing for individuals seeking flexible employment while ensuring air traffic safety from control rooms equipped with advanced radar systems and management tools.
About the Windsor 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) | $44.88 | $359.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.72 | $445.73 |
| Median (P50) | $77.39 | $619.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.33 | $786.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.15 | $873.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Windsor
Based on $77.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Windsor, CO can expect to earn approximately $160,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,867. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Windsor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Windsor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,095.56 | $13,414 | $160,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,857.34 | $8,048 | $96,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,238.23 | $5,366 | $64,388 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Windsor) | $77.39 |
| 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 Windsor, CO earn a median of $160,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.97% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Colorado state average of $163,079.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.39/hr = $96,582/year (purchasing power: $91,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,969/year (purchasing power: $153,304).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Windsor grew 20.4% from $62.67/hr (2019) to $75.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.38/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 Windsor 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 Windsor
When assessing the earning potential for part-time controllers versus their full-time counterparts, nuances arise that impact take-home pay. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week would likely experience a different financial outcome than full-time employees, who often accrue considerable overtime pay due to chronic staffing shortages. Many professionals in this field report annual compensation exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 just from overtime alone as they frequently clock in 50-60 hours per week. This scenario is common in Windsor's air traffic control towers, TRACONs, and ARTCCs, where staffing needs exceed available personnel. The variety of employer types—from FAA-operated facilities to contracted services—further influences hourly rates, with benefits packages weighing on decision-making for many controllers. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly air traffic controllers in Windsor would include leveraging their unique skills and experiences, especially when considering higher rates offered without additional health benefits at some facilities versus stable income with comprehensive benefits in others.
More salary data for Windsor, 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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