Air Traffic Controller Salary in Clearfield, UT: $142,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Clearfield, UT earns a median $142,327/year (≈ $68.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Clearfield's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $145,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $142,327 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Clearfield, Utah, find themselves earning below the national average of $151,886, reflecting a compensation that is about 6.29% lower than the national standard. The salary range is quite diverse, stretching from $82,549 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $205,534 at the upper limit (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments. In Clearfield, where the cost of living is indexed at 98.1, aspiring controllers can expect to begin their careers through a timeline of 1 to 3 years, gaining full pay as they transition from developmental roles to certified professional controllers (CPC). This structure provides a decent economic outlook despite being slightly below the national benchmark.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,549 | $39.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,007 | $49.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,327 | $68.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,179 | $87.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,534 | $98.82 |
Median Salary Position
6.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearfield
In Clearfield, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,985 (2026 est.). At $142,327, the local median is 6.29% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Clearfield median: $142,327/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,034 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.29% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Clearfield, UT earn a median of $142,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Utah state average of $149,034.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearfield 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.
Clearfield, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,327 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,084 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,250
2025 BLS Actual
$138,761
2026 Current Est.
$142,327
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,212 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,734 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,250 (2019) to $138,761 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,735 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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) | $82,549 – $103,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,007 – $142,327 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,327 – $182,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,179 – $205,534 |
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 Clearfield
The air traffic controller employment scene in Clearfield encompasses just nine positions, which creates a competitive yet stable market for those entering the field. With a cost of living index of 98.1, controllers may find that their salaries allow for modest local purchasing power, but will need to budget wisely in order to make the most of their earnings. Among the various employers in the area, facilities such as FAA airport traffic control towers may have a higher starting pay due to their critical role in managing air traffic directly at airports. Pay distinctions arise from factors like facility level (with en route positions at Level 12 generally offering higher compensation than terminal or tower roles), CPC certification status, and shift differentials that can significantly boost overall earnings. Given Clearfield’s unique context, controllers might consider pursuing opportunities for overtime or additional training that enhances their marketability, ultimately aiming to improve their earning potential within this intriguing industry.
More salary data for Clearfield, 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 $138,761 for air traffic controllersin the Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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