Air Traffic Controller Salary in Murray, UT: $166,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Murray, UT earns a median $166,491/year (≈ $80.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Murray's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $169,716 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.7% above the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller salary in Murray, UT is projected to be $166,491 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $151,886. Salaries here range significantly, from $96,565 at the P10 level to $248,264 at the P90, reflecting the diverse tiers of air traffic control facilities. Local estimates from 2025 BLS data indicate that those working in en route positions typically earn at the high end of this scale, while terminal and tower controllers see lower median salaries due to differences in responsibilities and traffic management complexities. The sizeable compensation reflects the regional demand for skilled professionals who are vital to maintaining safety and efficiency in the crowded airspace above Utah.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,565 | $46.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,874 | $57.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,491 | $80.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $213,108 | $102.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $248,264 | $119.36 |
Median Salary Position
9.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,699 (2026 est.). At $166,491, the local median is 9.62% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Murray median: $166,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,052 | +11.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.62% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Murray, UT earn a median of $166,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.62% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.70% above the Utah state average of $149,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray 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.
Murray, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $166,491 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $169,716 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,816
2025 BLS Actual
$162,319
2026 Current Est.
$166,491
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,961 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,769 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,816 (2019) to $162,319 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,769 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,953 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $96,565 – $119,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,874 – $166,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,491 – $213,108 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $213,108 – $248,264 |
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 Murray
With only seven air traffic controllers currently employed in the Murray area, the local job market remains tight. The cost of living index here is modest at 98.1, which helps enhance the purchasing power of these salaries. Employers in Murray, primarily FAA terminal radar approach control facilities, tend to offer competitive pay compared to nearby locations, although opportunities at en route centers may yield higher earnings. The variation in pay is influenced by factors such as facility tier, CPC certification, and various pay differentials. Controllers aiming to maximize their earnings should be proactive about seeking development opportunities, securing overtime shifts, and understanding their facility’s specific pay structure, especially considering the looming retirement age for many experienced controllers.
More salary data for Murray, 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 $162,319 for air traffic controllersin the Murray 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 Murray 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