Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Salt Lake City, UT: $79.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Salt Lake City, UT runs $79.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Salt Lake City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,475 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salt Lake City, the air traffic controller hourly pay is set at a competitive median of $79.71, exceeding the national average of $73.02 per hour. This rate offers significant earning potential, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in environments such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON), and airport traffic control towers. For air traffic controllers working three days a week, the earnings are substantial, reflecting the complexity and responsibility of the role. Entry-level positions start at approximately $37.76 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $94.52 per hour. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating the state's robust demand for air traffic control professionals.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.76 | $302.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70.21 | $561.67 |
| Median (P50) | $79.71 | $637.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.37 | $682.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.52 | $756.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salt Lake City
Based on $79.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.71/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salt Lake City, UT can expect to earn approximately $165,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,649. With a cost-of-living index of 100.87 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salt Lake City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salt Lake City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,188.29 | $13,816 | $165,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,912.97 | $8,290 | $99,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,275.31 | $5,526 | $66,316 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Salt Lake City) | $79.71 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $165,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.30% above the Utah state average of $148,961.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.71/hr = $99,475/year (purchasing power: $98,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,791/year (purchasing power: $164,364).
CoL index: 100.868 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Salt Lake City grew 20.4% from $64.54/hr (2019) to $77.71/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.76/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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
The earning landscape for air traffic controllers in Salt Lake City details intricate realities, especially for those considering part-time roles. A professional working 24 hours spread over three days would generate earnings that may remain competitive with full-time colleagues. However, many controllers, particularly those in understaffed facilities, often find overtime to be a lucrative addition to their income—it's not unusual for controllers to accrue significant amounts beyond their base hourly pay, sometimes reaching $50k to $100k annually from overtime alone. Depending on the employer type, hourly rates can significantly vary; for instance, controllers at FAA en route facilities may earn more compared to those at FAA contract towers. Additionally, some controllers may choose positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, making negotiation an important skill for maximization of pay and work-life balance in the Salt Lake City area. Understanding these dynamics is vital for those aiming to thrive in this critical and well-compensated field.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
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 Salt Lake City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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