Air Traffic Controller Salary in Durango, CO: $152,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Durango, CO earns a median $152,817/year (≈ $73.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $145,540 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Durango, Colorado are projected to earn a median annual salary of $152,817, a figure that slightly surpasses the national median of $151,886, highlighting the competitive pay in this region. The salary range is extensive, with entry-level positions starting around $92,368 (P10) and experienced controllers reaching up to $212,087 (P90). Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these estimates consider local cost adjustments, indicating a strong financial opportunity in the area. Given the rigorous certification timeline, which can take one to three years to achieve full pay as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC), prospective candidates may find these figures compelling when considering career development in air traffic control.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,368 | $44.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,634 | $55.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,817 | $73.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,496 | $90.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,087 | $101.96 |
Median Salary Position
0.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,719 (2026 est.). At $152,817, the local median is 0.61% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be above the median
How Durango Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Durango median: $152,817/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,092 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.61% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Durango, CO earn a median of $152,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $163,092.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $152,817 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,540 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,744
2025 BLS Actual
$148,988
2026 Current Est.
$152,817
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,546 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,061 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,614 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,744 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,744 (2019) to $148,988 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,000 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $92,368 – $114,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,634 – $152,817 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,817 – $187,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,496 – $212,087 |
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 Durango
With only five air traffic controllers currently employed in Durango, the local market presents a unique context. The cost of living index stands at 105, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be impacted by the local economic environment. For controllers in this area, those seeking to maximize pay should consider pursuing positions at FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities, which tend to offer higher salaries compared to tower positions. Factors influencing variability in wages include facility level, CPC status, shift differentials, and the prevalence of required overtime—often essential due to chronic staffing shortages. Controllers would benefit from focusing on networking within the FAA, seeking overtime opportunities, and considering dual certifications to enhance their standing in this relatively small job market in Durango, CO.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Durango?
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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 $148,988 for air traffic controllersin the Durango 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 Durango 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