Air Traffic Controller Salary in Highland, UT: $140,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Highland, UT earns a median $140,221/year (≈ $67.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Highland's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $142,937 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, the air traffic controller salary averages around $140,221 annually as of 2026, placing it below the national median of $151,886. The wide salary range—spanning from $81,329 at the lowest percentile to $187,373 at the upper echelons—reflects pay disparities among different facility types, including en route centers and terminal control. Estimations derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal that air traffic controllers in this area may find themselves earning less than their counterparts in larger markets, despite the crucial roles they play in maintaining air traffic safety and efficiency. Given the tiered structure of FAA facilities, controllers employed in en route centers typically command higher salaries than those in terminal radar approach controls or airport towers. Thus, the local job market in Highland demonstrates a unique dynamic influenced by operational contexts and facility specifics.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,329 | $39.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,936 | $50.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,221 | $67.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,746 | $83.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,373 | $90.09 |
Median Salary Position
7.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Highland
In Highland, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,044 (2026 est.). At $140,221, the local median is 7.68% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Highland: You'd be above the median
How Highland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Highland median: $140,221/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Highland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,013 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.68% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Highland, UT earn a median of $140,221 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.68% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $149,013.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Highland 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.
Highland, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,221 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,937 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,545
2025 BLS Actual
$136,708
2026 Current Est.
$140,221
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,404 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,094 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Highland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,545 (2019) to $136,708 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,280 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Highland 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) | $81,329 – $105,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,936 – $140,221 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,221 – $172,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,746 – $187,373 |
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 Highland
With only four air traffic controllers currently employed in Highland, the local job market remains limited yet stable. The cost-of-living index of 98.1 indicates that while salaries might not match the national medians, controllers could enjoy a decent purchasing power relative to housing and basic living expenses. Those seeking the highest air traffic controller pay in Highland, UT, may find opportunities within the FAA's en route centers, where salaries tend to scale upwards according to facility tiers. Factors such as CPC certification, shift differentials for night and weekend work, and the potential for overtime can significantly alter take-home income. To maximize their earnings, aspiring controllers should consider targeting roles in facilities that offer higher pay brackets while also navigating pathways such as contract towers or military positions that further enhance pay through additional certifications or responsibilities.
More salary data for Highland, 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 $136,708 for air traffic controllersin the Highland 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 Highland 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