Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar City, UT: $147,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cedar City, UT earns a median $147,009/year (≈ $70.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cedar City's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $149,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar City, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $147,009 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest-paid controllers earning around $85,265 while the top earners can make up to $202,074. These figures reflect projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living considerations. The tier of the facility plays a significant role in determining the air traffic controller pay in Cedar City, as controllers working at FAA en route centers generally receive higher compensation compared to those at terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities or airport traffic control towers (ATCT).
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,265 | $41.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,932 | $52.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,009 | $70.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,588 | $88.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,074 | $97.15 |
Median Salary Position
3.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar City
In Cedar City, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,809 (2026 est.). At $147,009, the local median is 3.21% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar City: You'd be above the median
How Cedar City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cedar City median: $147,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $148,946 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.21% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cedar City, UT earn a median of $147,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Utah state average of $148,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar City 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.
Cedar City, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,856 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,041
2025 BLS Actual
$143,326
2026 Current Est.
$147,009
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,233 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,584 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,004 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,326 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,788 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,041 (2019) to $143,326 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,788 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,747 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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) | $85,265 – $108,932 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,932 – $147,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,009 – $183,588 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,588 – $202,074 |
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 Cedar City
With only nine air traffic controllers currently employed in Cedar City, the local job market remains relatively limited but stable. The cost of living index at 98.1 indicates that Cedar City is slightly more affordable than the national average, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power for controllers. Pay disparities in this market stem from various factors, including facility level distinctions, certification status, and shift differentials. En route controllers often earn more due to their complex responsibilities. Controllers may also see their pay improved through mandatory overtime opportunities, particularly given the ongoing staffing challenges. To maximize earnings in Cedar City, pursuing CPC certification can be beneficial, along with strategically opting for shifts that offer additional pay bonuses.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $143,326 for air traffic controllersin the Cedar City 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 Cedar City 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