Air Traffic Controller Salary in Apache Junction, AZ: $144,243 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Apache Junction, AZ earns a median $144,243/year (≈ $69.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Apache Junction's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $146,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apache Junction, AZ, air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $144,243 in 2026, signaling competitive compensation relative to national figures. The local salary range spans from $83,661 at the 10th percentile to $196,884 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and facility tier. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the unique market dynamics in Apache Junction. Controllers in this city primarily serve in terminal or tower facilities, with pay varying according to FAA classifications. Given the area's limited staffing, those controllers may find opportunities to increase their earnings through overtime and shift differentials, further enhancing their overall compensation in an industry characterized by fluctuations in work demand and responsibilities.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,661 | $40.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,010 | $50.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,243 | $69.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,287 | $86.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,884 | $94.65 |
Median Salary Position
5.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apache Junction
In Apache Junction, AZ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,223 (2026 est.). At $144,243, the local median is 5.03% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apache Junction: You'd be above the median
How Apache Junction Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Apache Junction median: $144,243/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apache Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $149,630 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.03% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $144,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $149,630.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apache Junction has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apache Junction, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,243 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,440 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,801
2025 BLS Actual
$140,629
2026 Current Est.
$144,243
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,858 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,596 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,243 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,950 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apache Junction metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,801 (2019) to $140,629 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,950 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,149 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apache Junction 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) | $83,661 – $106,010 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,010 – $144,243 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,243 – $179,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,287 – $196,884 |
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 Apache Junction
Currently, the job market for air traffic controllers in Apache Junction consists of only six employed professionals, a figure that may seem small but underscores the high demand for skilled personnel. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which means that take-home pay retains its purchasing power more effectively compared to other locations. Among employers, FAA facilities offering the highest compensation typically include terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and en route centers, where advanced certification and experience can propel salaries upward. Factors like the facility tier, Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification status, shifts, and location premiums significantly influence the pay spectrum. For aspiring controllers aiming to maximize their earnings in Apache Junction, targeting roles at TRACON or pursuing CPC status represents a strategic approach to achieving higher pay in this growing market, which may see increased demand for specialized skills amid ongoing staffing challenges.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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 $140,629 for air traffic controllersin the Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction 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