Air Traffic Controller Salary in American Fork, UT: $147,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in American Fork, UT earns a median $147,218/year (≈ $70.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in American Fork's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $150,069 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for an air traffic controller in American Fork, Utah, is projected to be at a median annual salary of $147,218, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. The overall salary range extends from $85,386 at the 10th percentile to $202,772 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price differences, indicating a relatively attractive pay structure despite the proximity to lower-paying tiers within the terminal and tower facility tiers. In the context of American Fork's job market, the right qualifications and certifications can significantly impact earnings, especially considering the demand in various air traffic control facilities.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,386 | $41.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,997 | $50.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,218 | $70.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,098 | $88.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,772 | $97.48 |
Median Salary Position
3.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in American Fork
In American Fork, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,386 (2026 est.). At $147,218, the local median is 3.07% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in American Fork: You'd be above the median
How American Fork Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
American Fork median: $147,218/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | American Fork Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,006 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.07% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in American Fork, UT earn a median of $147,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Utah state average of $149,006.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
American Fork has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
American Fork, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,218 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,069 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,210
2025 BLS Actual
$143,529
2026 Current Est.
$147,218
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,158 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the American Fork metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,210 (2019) to $143,529 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,791 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the American Fork 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) | $85,386 – $105,997 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,997 – $147,218 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,218 – $184,098 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,098 – $202,772 |
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 American Fork
With only six air traffic controllers employed in the area, the job market in American Fork remains specialized and competitive. The cost of living index of 98.1 suggests that, while salaries may seem lower compared to the national average, the purchasing power for local residents can still be favorable. Among local employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the best compensation, outperforming terminal and tower facilities by a notable margin. The salary spread in this region is influenced by factors such as facility tier level, the status of certification, shift differentials, and overtime availability, all of which can augment earnings significantly. For air traffic controllers aiming for higher pay in American Fork, pursuing certifications, seeking positions at en route centers, and capitalizing on overtime opportunities will be key strategies to enhance their income potential.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
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 $143,529 for air traffic controllersin the American Fork 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 American Fork 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