Air Traffic Controller Salary in Prescott Valley, AZ: $144,405 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Prescott Valley, AZ earns a median $144,405/year (≈ $69.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Prescott Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $146,604 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salary in Prescott Valley is shaped by the realities of understaffing in the industry, where controllers often find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks. In 2026, the median pay stands at $144,405, slightly below the national average of $151,886. With salaries ranging from $84,165 at the lower end to $205,957 at the higher end, these figures reflect the significant disparities within the profession. Local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional cost adjustments that affect overall compensation. Given the increasing demand for air traffic services and the chronic understaffing issues, Prescott Valley’s job market presents both challenges and opportunities for current and prospective controllers.
About the Prescott Valley Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,165 | $40.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,327 | $51.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,405 | $69.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,838 | $88.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,957 | $99.02 |
Median Salary Position
4.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prescott Valley
In Prescott Valley, AZ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,792 (2026 est.). At $144,405, the local median is 4.93% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prescott Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prescott Valley Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Prescott Valley median: $144,405/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prescott Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $149,643 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.93% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Prescott Valley, AZ earn a median of $144,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Arizona state average of $149,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prescott Valley 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.
Prescott Valley, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,405 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,604 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,933
2025 BLS Actual
$140,787
2026 Current Est.
$144,405
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Prescott Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,203 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,405 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prescott Valley metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,933 (2019) to $140,787 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,183 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prescott Valley 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) | $84,165 – $106,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,327 – $144,405 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,405 – $184,838 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,838 – $205,957 |
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 Prescott Valley
With only 10 air traffic controllers currently employed in Prescott Valley, the local environment offers limited competition but raises questions about long-term job security and pay stability. The cost of living index is relatively low at 98.5, which points to a favorable take-home purchasing power in the region. Most controllers can expect competitive pay, particularly within FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, with higher compensation typically found at these locations compared to smaller airport traffic control towers. Factors influencing the wide pay range include facility level, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the availability of overtime, which can frequently be mandated due to staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Prescott Valley, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment at higher-tier facilities could lead to substantial income growth.
More salary data for Prescott Valley, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Prescott Valley?
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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 $140,787 for air traffic controllersin the Prescott Valley 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 Prescott Valley 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