Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chandler, AZ: $166,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chandler, AZ earns a median $166,521/year (≈ $80.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chandler's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $169,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.3% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Chandler, Arizona, is projected to reach a median of $166,521, reflecting an upward trend compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this area varies significantly, from $96,582 at the 10th percentile to as much as $250,150 for the top 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, underscore the diverse pay structure influenced by the type of facility, whether it be en route centers, terminal TRACONs, or airport control towers. With a workforce of 49 employed controllers, Chandler's job market presents unique opportunities and challenges that can impact overall compensation levels.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,582 | $46.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,895 | $57.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,521 | $80.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $213,148 | $102.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $250,150 | $120.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chandler
In Chandler, AZ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,568 (2026 est.). At $166,521, the local median is 9.64% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chandler: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chandler Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chandler median: $166,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chandler Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $149,615 | +11.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.64% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $166,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.64% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.30% above the Arizona state average of $149,615.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chandler 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.
Chandler, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $166,521 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $169,057 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,841
2025 BLS Actual
$162,349
2026 Current Est.
$166,521
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,801 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chandler metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,841 (2019) to $162,349 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,801 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,960 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler 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) | $96,582 – $119,895 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,895 – $166,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,521 – $213,148 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $213,148 – $250,150 |
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 Chandler
Examining the local employment landscape shows that Chandler's cost of living index stands at 98.5, which is slightly below the national average. This factor plays a significant role in determining the take-home purchasing power for air traffic controllers in the region. The FAA en route centers typically offer the most competitive salaries, particularly those that handle high-altitude traffic, while terminal and tower positions might fall lower on the pay scale. The variations in compensation arise from several key factors: the facility tier system where en route positions (Level 12) command more than terminal (Level 11) and tower roles (Level 7), as well as the controller's level of certification, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities. For those in Chandler looking to maximize earnings, pursuing full CPC certification, exploring shift options that provide additional pay, and staying informed about the chronic staffing needs across various facility types can all contribute to a better salary outcome in this active market.
More salary data for Chandler, 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 $162,349 for air traffic controllersin the Chandler 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 Chandler 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