Air Traffic Controller Salary in Casper, WY: $145,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Casper, WY earns a median $145,744/year (≈ $70.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Casper's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $152,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Casper, Wyoming, the projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $145,744. This figure is slightly below the national median of $151,886, reflecting the regional cost of living and employment dynamics. Salaries for this occupation in Casper exhibit notable variation as well, ranging from $84,531 at the lower end to $217,467 at the high end. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities, accounting for the specific conditions of the Casper job market. Employment opportunities for air traffic controllers in this area remain relatively tight, where only nine individuals are currently engaged in the field, hinting at limited job availability that could impact future hiring and salaries.
About the Casper Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,531 | $40.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,935 | $50.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,744 | $70.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,552 | $89.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,467 | $104.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Casper
In Casper, WY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,936 (2026 est.). At $145,744, the local median is 4.04% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Casper: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Casper Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Casper median: $145,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Casper Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $149,175 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.04% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Casper, WY earn a median of $145,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Wyoming state average of $149,175.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Casper has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Casper, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,744 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $152,134 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,017
2025 BLS Actual
$142,092
2026 Current Est.
$145,744
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Casper (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,825 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,489 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Casper metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,017 (2019) to $142,092 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,489 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,472 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Casper 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) | $84,531 – $104,935 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,935 – $145,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,744 – $186,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,552 – $217,467 |
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 Casper
Analyzing the Casper job market reveals a cost-of-living index of 95.8, making this area slightly less expensive than the national average. While the relatively low number of air traffic controllers employed suggests a niche market, it also indicates a higher level of job security for those in the field. To maximize pay, controllers can aim for positions with the FAA en route centers, known for offering higher compensation compared to terminal and tower facilities. Additionally, obtaining CPC certification can significantly enhance earnings, especially with opportunities for shift differentials and overtime pay, which are abundant in light of staffing challenges. Understanding the variety of employers—ranging from FAA facilities to military air traffic control—will also help aspiring controllers navigate the local landscape and take advantage of salary growth opportunities in Casper, WY.
More salary data for Casper, WY:
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 $142,092 for air traffic controllersin the Casper 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 Casper 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