Air Traffic Controller Salary in Provo, UT: $148,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Provo, UT earns a median $148,377/year (≈ $71.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Provo's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $151,251 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Provo, Utah, the projected median air traffic controller salary is $148,377 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease of 2.31% compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this role spans from $86,058 at the 10th percentile to $220,157 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, underscore the impact of local cost adjustments on air traffic controller compensation. Controllers working at different facility levels will see variations in pay, with en route Level 12 facilities typically offering the highest salaries, followed by terminal and tower facilities. As Provo continues to grow, competition among employers could influence salary structures and opportunities in the air traffic management sector.
About the Provo Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,058 | $41.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,831 | $51.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,377 | $71.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,923 | $91.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,157 | $105.84 |
Median Salary Position
2.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Provo
In Provo, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,099 (2026 est.). At $148,377, the local median is 2.31% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Provo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Provo Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Provo median: $148,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Provo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $148,973 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.31% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Provo, UT earn a median of $148,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% below the Utah state average of $148,973.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Provo 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.
Provo, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $148,377 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,251 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,149
2025 BLS Actual
$144,659
2026 Current Est.
$148,377
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Provo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,407 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,752 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,659 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,190 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Provo metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,149 (2019) to $144,659 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,190 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,041 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Provo 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) | $86,058 – $106,831 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,831 – $148,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,377 – $189,923 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,923 – $220,157 |
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 Provo
The job market in Provo currently employs about 20 air traffic controllers, which indicates a niche but essential workforce in the region. While the cost of living index sits at 98.1, slightly below the national average, this can enhance the take-home purchasing power for controllers in the area. Among the local employers, the FAA’s terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities offer competitive pay as they handle vital traffic within the surrounding airport zones. The disparity in salaries often arises from factors such as facility type—where Level 12 locations outpace Level 7 tower roles—and the certification status of controllers, with certified professional controller (CPC) pay substantially higher than developmental pay. Additionally, opportunities for overtime, shift differentials, and locality pay can significantly augment earnings. Prospective controllers should focus on obtaining CPC status and seek employment at high-tier facilities to maximize their earning potential in Provo, UT.
More salary data for Provo, 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 $144,659 for air traffic controllersin the Provo 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 Provo 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