Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $156,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $156,922/year (≈ $75.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $149,450 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, earn a median annual salary of $156,922 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position in the job market compared to the national figure of $151,886. With salaries ranging from $91,014 at the lower end (P10) to $223,249 at the upper end (P90), the earnings potential in this region is significant. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account local economic factors, including a cost-of-living index of 105, which indicates that living expenses are slightly above average. The local labor market, though small with only eight air traffic controllers currently employed, hints at high demand and potential for overtime, particularly in understaffed facilities—an aspect that can significantly influence overall compensation.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,014 | $43.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,946 | $55.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,922 | $75.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,565 | $96.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,249 | $107.33 |
Median Salary Position
3.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,235 (2026 est.). At $156,922, the local median is 3.32% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be above the median
How Wheat Ridge Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $156,922/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,120 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.32% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $156,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.32% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $163,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,922 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,450 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,068
2025 BLS Actual
$152,990
2026 Current Est.
$156,922
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,068 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,635 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,955 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,068 (2019) to $152,990 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,955 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,887 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $91,014 – $114,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,946 – $156,922 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,922 – $200,565 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,565 – $223,249 |
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 Wheat Ridge
In seeking to maximize air traffic controller pay in Wheat Ridge CO, it’s essential to understand the local employment landscape and the contributing factors to salary variations. While the area features limited employment opportunities with only eight controllers, the potential for substantial take-home income exists especially for those seeking roles in FAA en route centers, which typically offer higher salaries than terminal and tower facilities. The spread between lower and higher pay is influenced by several factors, including facility tier levels, CPC certification status, and various shift differentials. Controllers also have the advantage of abundant overtime due to chronic staffing shortages, particularly in recent years. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and applying for positions at higher-tier facilities or taking available overtime shifts can significantly enhance their total compensation package in the Wheat Ridge market.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $152,990 for air traffic controllersin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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