Air Traffic Controller Salary in Juneau, AK: $159,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Juneau, AK earns a median $159,312/year (≈ $76.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Juneau's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $150,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Juneau, Alaska, the projected salary for an air traffic controller in 2026 is $159,312, which marks a significant premium over the national median of $151,886. With a comprehensive salary range spanning from $92,401 to $219,602, the potential for higher earnings exists within the diverse experience levels and responsibilities across various air traffic control facilities in the area. Based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, these figures reflect local estimates adjusted for regional price parities, showing that the Juneau job market offers competitive pay for this critical role. As air traffic controllers progress through their careers, they typically require one to three years to gain full CPC certification, during which time developmental controllers may earn between 65% to 75% of the CPC pay scale, underscoring the gradual advancement in earnings potential as they build experience.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,401 | $44.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,436 | $56.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,312 | $76.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,327 | $95.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,602 | $105.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Juneau
In Juneau, AK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,201 (2026 est.). At $159,312, the local median is 4.89% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Juneau: You'd be above the median
How Juneau Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Juneau median: $159,312/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Juneau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $161,084 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.89% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Juneau, AK earn a median of $159,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the Alaska state average of $161,084.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Juneau has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Juneau, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,312 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,153 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,003
2025 BLS Actual
$155,320
2026 Current Est.
$159,312
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Juneau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,716 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,236 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Juneau metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,003 (2019) to $155,320 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,403 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Juneau 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) | $92,401 – $118,436 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,436 – $159,312 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,312 – $199,327 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,327 – $219,602 |
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 Juneau
The air traffic control job market in Juneau is relatively small, with only six controllers currently employed in the area. This limited workforce can impact the local dynamics, especially given the slightly elevated cost of living index at 106.1, affecting overall take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest compensation, reflecting facility classifications that prioritize higher altitudes and air traffic management complexity. Pay disparities between air traffic controllers on different tiers stem from factors such as CPC certification status, facility level—where en route positions offer the best pay—and additional considerations like shift differentials and overtime, which are frequently necessary due to staffing challenges. By understanding these factors and pursuing opportunities at en route facilities, especially in light of the ongoing demand for controllers, individuals seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Juneau, AK, can strategically position themselves for the best compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Juneau, 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 $155,320 for air traffic controllersin the Juneau 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
Salary data for Juneau 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