Air Traffic Controller Salary in Loveland, CO: $157,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Loveland, CO earns a median $157,586/year (≈ $75.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Loveland's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $150,082 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Loveland, Colorado are projected to earn a median annual salary of $157,586, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by 3.75%. The salary range in this region varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $91,400 and the highest 90% seeing figures up to $225,707. These estimates reflect local economic conditions, informed by data derived from BLS state-level statistics and adjusted for regional price disparities. With a structured pay scale, controllers can anticipate a gradual salary increase through their first few years, particularly as they achieve Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, typically within one to three years of employment. This tiered approach to compensation reflects the unique demands and responsibilities associated with managing increasingly complex air traffic scenarios in Loveland.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,400 | $43.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,462 | $54.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,586 | $75.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,711 | $96.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $225,707 | $108.51 |
Median Salary Position
3.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Loveland
In Loveland, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,307 (2026 est.). At $157,586, the local median is 3.75% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Loveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Loveland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Loveland median: $157,586/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Loveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,133 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.75% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Loveland, CO earn a median of $157,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Colorado state average of $163,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Loveland has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Loveland, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,586 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,082 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,606
2025 BLS Actual
$153,638
2026 Current Est.
$157,586
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Loveland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,606 (2019) to $153,638 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,030 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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) | $91,400 – $113,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,462 – $157,586 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,586 – $201,711 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,711 – $225,707 |
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 Loveland
The job market for air traffic controllers in Loveland is relatively strong, with 17 controllers currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 105, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of these salaries. Among local employers, federal facilities, particularly those within the FAA’s en route centers or terminal approach control, generally offer the most competitive pay. The pay difference between various facilities can be attributed to the complexity of operations, with en route facilities typically compensating at a higher rate due to the sophisticated traffic they manage. Additionally, factors such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality pay can significantly affect overall earnings. For aspiring controllers in Loveland, maximizing earning potential may involve pursuing positions in higher-tier facilities, engaging in overtime work, and focusing on achieving CPC status as early as possible.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
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 $153,638 for air traffic controllersin the Loveland 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 Loveland 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