Air Traffic Controller Salary in Denver, CO: $179,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Denver, CO earns a median $179,508/year (≈ $86.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Denver's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $170,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Denver, CO, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $179,508, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886, reflecting an 18.19% premium. The salary range for controllers in the area varies significantly, with lower-end earners making around $104,115 and those at the top tier reaching up to $274,725. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost factors that influence compensation. This competitive pay is indicative of Denver's growing aviation sector, which is supported by robust training pipelines, including options for those coming from the FAA Academy or military backgrounds.
About the Denver Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,115 | $50.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,245 | $62.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $179,508 | $86.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $229,770 | $110.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $274,725 | $132.08 |
Median Salary Position
18.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $170,610 (2026 est.). At $179,508, the local median is 18.19% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Denver Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Denver median: $179,508/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,041 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.19% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Denver, CO earn a median of $179,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.19% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 10.10% above the Colorado state average of $163,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $179,508 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $170,960 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,080
2025 BLS Actual
$175,010
2026 Current Est.
$179,508
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 23.2% from $142,080 (2019) to $175,010 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $184,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,041 (29.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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) | $104,115 – $129,245 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,245 – $179,508 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $179,508 – $229,770 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $229,770 – $274,725 |
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 Denver
With 139 air traffic controllers employed in the region, local market dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping pay scales. The cost of living index in Denver sits at 105, indicating that while salaries are elevated compared to national averages, the high living expenses must also be considered. Employers such as FAA en route centers often provide higher compensation compared to other facilities such as terminal TRACONs and airport control towers. Factors influencing the salary differences include the facility level, with en route positions commanding premium pay, and the experience level, with Developmental Controllers earning 65-75% of the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) rate until they achieve full certification. Additionally, earnings can be maximized through opportunities for shift differentials, overtime, and political decisions affecting hiring within the FAA, reflecting a labor market that continues to see chronic staffing shortages. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57%, now may be the optimal time to pursue a career in air traffic control in Denver, balancing pay potential with a proactive approach to networking and skill development.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $175,010 for air traffic controllersin the Denver 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 Denver 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