Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $105,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $105,883/year (≈ $50.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $102,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 34.3% below the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Becoming an air traffic controller in Fairbanks, Alaska, can lead to a lucrative career, with a projected median annual salary of $105,883 in 2026. Salaries in this field range from $86,661 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $146,737 for top earners (P90), reflecting the varying experience and responsibility levels within the role. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. Factors such as the certification timeline, taking 1 to 3 years to achieve full pay as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC), highlight the developmental path and initial earnings potential that shape this market. The air traffic controller job market in Fairbanks is underscored by a significant demand for skilled professionals, reflecting the importance of this role in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,661 | $41.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,908 | $45.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,883 | $50.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,115 | $62.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,737 | $70.55 |
Median Salary Position
30.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,076 (2026 est.). At $105,883, the local median is 30.29% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairbanks Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $105,883/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $161,161 | -34.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -30.29% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $105,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 34.30% below the Alaska state average of $161,161.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 3.21% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 103.208 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,883 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,592 — a 3.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,739
2025 BLS Actual
$103,230
2026 Current Est.
$105,883
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $85,739 (2019) to $103,230 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,865 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,661 – $94,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,908 – $105,883 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,883 – $129,115 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,115 – $146,737 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, there are currently 80 air traffic controllers actively shaping the local aviation industry. However, the cost of living index sits at 103.208, slightly above the national average, which influences the actual purchasing power for these professionals. Leading employers in the area, such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, generally offer the highest salaries to attract qualified candidates. Pay variation is driven by factors like facility level, certification status, and scheduled shift differentials. Maximizing income potential in Fairbanks might involve strategically seeking employment in higher-tier facilities or specializing in roles that involve overtime or essential shifts. With mandatory retirement at age 56 providing opportunities for advancement, those entering the field can expect the need for skilled air traffic controllers to remain strong in the coming years. Understanding these dynamics will provide a clearer picture of air traffic controller pay in Fairbanks, AK.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,230 for air traffic controllersin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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