Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Las Vegas, NV: $158,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Las Vegas, NV earns a median $158,827/year (≈ $76.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Las Vegas's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.3), that paycheck buys what $161,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Nevada state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for air traffic controllers in North Las Vegas, Nevada, reflects a competitive landscape with a median annual salary of $158,827, outperforming the national median by approximately 4.57%. The local pay spectrum ranges from $92,119 at the lower end to $245,342 at the upper extreme, showcasing the significant variability in earnings, influenced primarily by experience, certification level, and specific facility type. Figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional economic factors, reinforcing that controllers at varied levels can expect substantial rewards for their critical roles in air traffic management. This dynamic compensation structure aligns with the FAA's need for experienced air traffic personnel, fortifying North Las Vegas as an appealing market for both new and seasoned controllers.
About the North Las Vegas Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,119 | $44.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,355 | $54.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,827 | $76.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,298 | $97.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $245,342 | $117.96 |
Median Salary Position
4.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Las Vegas
In North Las Vegas, NV, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,223 (2026 est.). At $158,827, the local median is 4.57% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Las Vegas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Las Vegas Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Las Vegas median: $158,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Las Vegas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $149,273 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.57% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Las Vegas, NV earn a median of $158,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.57% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.40% above the Nevada state average of $149,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Las Vegas 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.
North Las Vegas, NV has a cost-of-living index of 98.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $158,827 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $161,574 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,610
2025 BLS Actual
$154,847
2026 Current Est.
$158,827
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Las Vegas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,679 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,219 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,908 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Las Vegas metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,610 (2019) to $154,847 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,908 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,298 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Las Vegas 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) | $92,119 – $114,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,355 – $158,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,827 – $203,298 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,298 – $245,342 |
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 North Las Vegas
The air traffic controller job market in North Las Vegas currently employs 38 professionals, a figure that illuminates the potential for opportunities amid ongoing industry staffing challenges. With a cost-of-living index of 98.3, living expenses in the area are slightly below the national average, enhancing the real value of local earnings. Controllers can maximize pay by seeking employment at FAA en route centers, which generally offer higher salaries than terminal facilities and towers. The disparity in compensation also stems from factors such as the type of facility (en route controllers often hold the highest levels), the achieved CPC certification—where developmental controllers earn 65-75% of full pay—and available shift differentials, which can further increase earnings. Given the current job market, strategies for optimizing pay could include prioritizing positions at high-demand en route facilities or capitalizing on overtime opportunities, especially due to chronic understaffing that has persisted in the industry since the sequester era.
More salary data for North Las Vegas, 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 $154,847 for air traffic controllersin the North Las Vegas 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 North Las Vegas 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