Air Traffic Controller Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $152,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Idaho Falls, ID earns a median $152,042/year (≈ $73.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Idaho Falls's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $159,540 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Idaho Falls, air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $152,042 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $88,185 and the top 90% making up to $222,485. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect local estimates incorporating regional cost adjustments, making Idaho Falls an appealing market for those in this crucial field. Controllers at en route Level 12 facilities typically command higher salaries compared to the terminal and tower facilities, thus distinguishing the earning potential within this urban setting.
About the Idaho Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,185 | $42.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,470 | $52.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,042 | $73.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,613 | $93.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,485 | $106.96 |
Median Salary Position
0.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, ID, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,300 (2026 est.). At $152,042, the local median is 0.1% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Idaho Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Idaho Falls Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Idaho Falls median: $152,042/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Idaho Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $150,239 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.10% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Idaho Falls, ID earn a median of $152,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.10% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Idaho state average of $150,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Idaho Falls has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Idaho Falls, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $152,042 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $159,540 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,116
2025 BLS Actual
$148,232
2026 Current Est.
$152,042
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,116 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,949 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Idaho Falls metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,116 (2019) to $148,232 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,949 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,833 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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) | $88,185 – $109,470 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,470 – $152,042 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,042 – $194,613 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,613 – $222,485 |
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 Idaho Falls
The job market in Idaho Falls features nine air traffic controllers, showcasing a competitive environment albeit one characterized by limited positions. With a cost-of-living index at 95.3, professionals can enjoy a relatively strong purchasing power, which enhances overall job satisfaction. Positions with the FAA, especially in en route centers, tend to offer the highest pay within the air traffic control sector, followed by terminal and tower facilities. Factors that contribute to the pay disparity include the facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime. To maximize earnings, air traffic controllers in Idaho Falls should invest in additional certifications, seek opportunities for overtime, and stay informed of job openings in facilities that provide a locality pay increase, ensuring they reap the full rewards of their expertise in this dynamic industry.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
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 $148,232 for air traffic controllersin the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls 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