Air Traffic Controller Salary in Butte, MT: $147,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Butte, MT earns a median $147,526/year (≈ $70.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Butte's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $153,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Butte, Montana, the projected median salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $147,526, reflecting a pay structure that varies depending on the facility tier. Salaries range from $85,565 at the 10th percentile to $212,722 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, taking into account regional price adjustments to ensure a relevant comparison. With the elevated demand for air traffic control positions, local compensation reflects the importance of facility levels. Controllers in en route centers may experience better pay compared to those working in terminal or tower facilities, signifying the competitive nature of this job market in Butte.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,565 | $41.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,568 | $51.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,526 | $70.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,833 | $90.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,722 | $102.27 |
Median Salary Position
2.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Butte
In Butte, MT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,157 (2026 est.). At $147,526, the local median is 2.87% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Butte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Butte Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Butte median: $147,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Butte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $151,776 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.87% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Butte, MT earn a median of $147,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $151,776.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Butte has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Butte, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,526 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,460
2025 BLS Actual
$143,830
2026 Current Est.
$147,526
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Butte metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,460 (2019) to $143,830 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,858 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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) | $85,565 – $106,568 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,568 – $147,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,526 – $188,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,833 – $212,722 |
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 Butte
Examining the local job market, Butte employs seven air traffic controllers, a modest number that suggests a tight-knit community within the profession. The cost of living index in Butte is 96.2, implying that the purchasing power of an air traffic controller’s salary is generally favorable when compared to national averages. Potential employers such as FAA airport traffic control towers and military air traffic control offer varying salaries, typically influenced by facility tier structure, CPC certification, and operational demands. Notably, higher pay often comes with roles in en route centers or those with management responsibilities. To maximize pay opportunities in Butte, air traffic controllers should consider seeking positions at facilities that offer shift differentials, overtime eligibility, and specialized roles, all of which can significantly enhance overall earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
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 $143,830 for air traffic controllersin the Butte 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 Butte 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