Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Broomfield, CO: $236,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Broomfield, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $236,006/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Broomfield's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,768 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive realm of air traffic control, seasoned professionals in Broomfield, Colorado, can expect substantial compensation reflective of their expertise. Projected for 2026, experienced air traffic controllers can earn a median annual salary of $160,597, with top earners (P90) reaching an impressive $236,006. This notable figure positions Broomfield's top-tier salaries well above the national average of $151,886, highlighting a unique regional demand for highly qualified personnel. As the experience premium sharpens, it's evident that achieving the upper echelon of pay in Broomfield demands a combination of advanced certifications, extensive specialized training, and a proven track record of managing complex air traffic scenarios, particularly in high-pressure environments such as en route and terminal operations.
About the Broomfield Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Broomfield
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Broomfield earn between $205,564 and $236,006 per year (2026 est.). This $142,860 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Broomfield median of $160,597 sits 5.74% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Broomfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $160,597 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $205,564 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $236,006 | $221,151 |
In Broomfield, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 46.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Broomfield
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $160,597 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Broomfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Broomfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $205,564–$236,006 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Broomfield metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Broomfield with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Broomfield
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBroomfield ranks #15 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $236,006).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Broomfield ($236,006) is 5.25% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$188,164
2025 BLS Actual
$230,093
2026 Current Est.
$236,006
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Broomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $188,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $197,192 | Actual |
| 2021 | $198,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $202,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,072 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Broomfield saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $188,164 in 2019 to $230,093 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $242,072 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Broomfield 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Broomfield
When analyzing what drives senior air traffic controller pay in CO, multiple factors come into play. Specializations, such as en route or radar operations, command higher wages, especially as these roles involve managing large volumes of high-altitude traffic. Compensation varies significantly by employer type; for instance, FAA en route facilities generally offer higher pay scales than smaller airport contract towers. Experienced air traffic controllers may find themselves on an advancement pathway involving various stages—from becoming a certified professional controller (CPC) to taking on roles such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor. Additionally, holding advanced credentials can significantly boost earnings, especially if controllers meet the FAA’s rigors for training and certifications. Non-salary compensation strategies, including overtime opportunities and shift differentials, further enhance the financial appeal of this career. With an annual expected growth rate of 2.57%, those considering a long-term career in air traffic control can find promising prospects in Broomfield's labor market.
More salary data for Broomfield, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Broomfield in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Broomfield?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Broomfield?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Broomfield?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Broomfield?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $230,093 for air traffic controllers in the Broomfield metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Broomfield 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