Air Traffic Controller Salary in Scottsbluff, NE: $128,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Scottsbluff, NE earns a median $128,947/year (≈ $61.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Scottsbluff's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $140,926 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is projected to be $128,947. This figure is a reflection of the pay disparities across different facility tiers, where en route controllers typically earn more than their terminal and tower counterparts. The salary range for these positions spans from $74,789 at the 10th percentile to $172,676 at the 90th, offering a wide variance in potential earnings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the market's current dynamics and competitive nature. Local compensation should be examined in light of the national median annual salary of $151,886, positioning Scottsbluff's pay about 15.10% lower than the national figure.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,789 | $35.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,661 | $46.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,947 | $61.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,085 | $76.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,676 | $83.02 |
Median Salary Position
15.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsbluff
In Scottsbluff, NE, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,887 (2026 est.). At $128,947, the local median is 15.1% below the national median of $151,886.
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How Scottsbluff Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Scottsbluff median: $128,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scottsbluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $134,320 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -15.10% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $128,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $134,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scottsbluff has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scottsbluff, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $128,947 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,926 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,415
2025 BLS Actual
$125,716
2026 Current Est.
$128,947
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,632 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,762 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,261 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scottsbluff metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $104,415 (2019) to $125,716 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,261 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,846 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsbluff 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) | $74,789 – $97,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,661 – $128,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,947 – $159,085 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,085 – $172,676 |
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 Scottsbluff
Currently, there are four air traffic controllers employed in Scottsbluff, creating a small but specialized job market closely tied to local operational needs. With a cost-of-living index at 91.5, residents enjoy relatively lower living expenses, which enhances their take-home purchasing power compared to many other areas. Among local employers, FAA en route centers generally provide the highest salaries. Variations in pay arise from several factors, including facility levels, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, which can significantly impact earnings. Controllers seeking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing opportunities at higher-tier facilities, securing CPC certification, and being open to varied shifts that offer enhanced rates. As demand for air traffic controllers grows amidst staffing challenges, this local market presents tangible opportunities for those adept in the field.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
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 $125,716 for air traffic controllersin the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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