Air Traffic Controller Salary in Maricopa, AZ: $151,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Maricopa, AZ earns a median $151,649/year (≈ $72.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Maricopa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $153,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Maricopa, Arizona can expect a median annual salary of $151,649, closely aligned with the national figure of $151,886. Salaries among these professionals vary substantially, with a range that spans from $87,956 at the 10th percentile to $216,548 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect a competitive compensation package for controllers in the area. Given the growing demand for air traffic management experts, particularly with the increasing complexities of air travel, employment opportunities in Maricopa are likely to be attractive for those considering a career in this field.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,956 | $42.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,187 | $52.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,649 | $72.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,627 | $93.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,548 | $104.11 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maricopa
In Maricopa, AZ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,592 (2026 est.). At $151,649, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maricopa: You'd be above the median
How Maricopa Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Maricopa median: $151,649/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maricopa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $149,555 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.16% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $151,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $149,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maricopa 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.
Maricopa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $151,649 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,958 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,798
2025 BLS Actual
$147,849
2026 Current Est.
$151,649
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,798 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,217 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,546 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maricopa metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,798 (2019) to $147,849 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,546 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,748 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maricopa 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) | $87,956 – $109,187 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,187 – $151,649 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,649 – $193,627 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,627 – $216,548 |
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 Maricopa
Ten air traffic controllers currently work in Maricopa, reflecting a unique job market characterized by relative stability, albeit at a lower employment count compared to larger metropolitan areas. The cost of living in Maricopa, measured at a CoL index of 98.5, allows for a more favorable take-home purchasing power, making the air traffic controller pay in Maricopa AZ an appealing option. Controllers can enhance their earnings by pursuing roles in higher-paying facilities, particularly FAA en route centers, where positions are typically classified at Level 12 compared to Level 7 for airport control towers. Further, obtaining Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status is critical, as developmental controllers earn between 65-75% of CPC pay. Maximizing potential earnings can be achieved through securing overtime opportunities and targeting shifts that offer additional pay differentials, thus increasing overall compensation in Maricopa.
More salary data for Maricopa, 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 $147,849 for air traffic controllersin the Maricopa 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 Maricopa 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