Air Traffic Controller Salary in Riverton, UT: $141,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Riverton, UT earns a median $141,148/year (≈ $67.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Riverton's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $143,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Riverton, Utah, the expected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $141,148, reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $151,886. This salary range varies from $81,865 at the 10th percentile to $196,601 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad disparity in pay depending on experience, certification, and specific work environment. These figures are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional price adjustments and other local economic factors. As Riverton continues to develop as a central hub for air traffic control, the dynamics of controller compensation reveal both opportunities and challenges for those entering the field.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,865 | $39.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,626 | $48.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,148 | $67.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,842 | $85.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,601 | $94.52 |
Median Salary Position
7.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Riverton
In Riverton, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,736 (2026 est.). At $141,148, the local median is 7.07% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Riverton: You'd be above the median
How Riverton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Riverton median: $141,148/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Riverton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,047 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.07% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Riverton, UT earn a median of $141,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.07% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Utah state average of $149,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Riverton 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.
Riverton, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,148 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,295
2025 BLS Actual
$137,611
2026 Current Est.
$141,148
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,668 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,775 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Riverton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,295 (2019) to $137,611 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,775 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,480 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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) | $81,865 – $101,626 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,626 – $141,148 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,148 – $177,842 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,842 – $196,601 |
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 Riverton
Analyzing the local job market, Riverton currently employs 11 air traffic controllers, a relatively modest number that contributes to the intimate nature of the work environment. The cost of living index in Riverton is 98.1, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the take-home purchasing power for controllers. Facilities such as FAA en route centers typically offer better compensation, especially for those holding Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, which can lead to pay differences across various facilities. Shift differentials and opportunities for overtime are prevalent in this industry and can significantly increase overall earnings. For aspiring air traffic controllers in Riverton, focusing on obtaining CPC certification and selecting positions within higher-tier facilities can be key strategies for maximizing income potential in the region.
More salary data for Riverton, 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 $137,611 for air traffic controllersin the Riverton 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 Riverton 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