Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fernley, NV: $138,005 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fernley, NV earns a median $138,005/year (≈ $66.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fernley's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.3), that paycheck buys what $140,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Nevada state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fernley, Nevada, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $138,005 in 2026, a figure that falls below the national median of $151,886, highlighting the area's unique economic landscape. The local salary range spans from $80,239 at the 10th percentile to $192,755 at the 90th percentile, which illustrates the significant disparity in earnings depending on experience and facility tier. These projections are informed by 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a tailored overview of the air traffic controller salary in Fernley. Given the presence of air traffic control roles, this market reflects a robust job opportunity despite its fewer-than-average employment numbers within the profession.
About the Fernley Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,239 | $38.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,214 | $48.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,005 | $66.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,179 | $84.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,755 | $92.67 |
Median Salary Position
9.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fernley
In Fernley, NV, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,516 (2026 est.). At $138,005, the local median is 9.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fernley: You'd be above the median
How Fernley Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fernley median: $138,005/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fernley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $149,356 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fernley, NV earn a median of $138,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.60% below the Nevada state average of $149,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fernley has a cost of living 1.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fernley, NV has a cost-of-living index of 98.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,005 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,392 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,750
2025 BLS Actual
$134,547
2026 Current Est.
$138,005
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fernley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,825 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,005 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,552 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fernley metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,750 (2019) to $134,547 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,552 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,802 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fernley 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) | $80,239 – $101,214 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,214 – $138,005 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,005 – $175,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,179 – $192,755 |
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 Fernley
In terms of local employment dynamics, Fernley has six air traffic controllers currently working in the area, showing a stable job market in a smaller community. The cost of living index is relatively favorable at 98.3, suggesting that controllers may enjoy a modest increase in purchasing power compared to larger urban centers. Among the employers, FAA en route centers typically provide the most attractive compensation packages, as they focus on high-altitude air traffic management, while smaller facilities might offer lower pay scales. Factors influencing the pay gap include the facility type, with en route Level 12 positions earning the highest salaries and tower roles at Level 7 typically offering lower compensation. Additionally, the absence of locality pay impacts earnings in Fernley, meaning that maximizing pay requires strategic decisions like pursuing CPC certification and taking advantage of mandatory overtime opportunities. Understanding these elements can help prospective air traffic controllers in Fernley NV navigate their career aspirations effectively.
More salary data for Fernley, NV:
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 $134,547 for air traffic controllersin the Fernley 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 Fernley 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