Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Commerce City, CO: $227,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Commerce City, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $227,811/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Commerce City's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,963 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Top-tier salaries for experienced air traffic controllers in Commerce City, Colorado, reflect the advanced expertise and responsibilities these professionals hold. In 2026, senior air traffic controllers can expect to earn between $158,207 and $227,811 annually, with the 75th percentile earning around $202,505. This remarkable range highlights the considerable experience premium in this field, where the gap between the median and top earners can be attributed to specialized skills, leadership roles, and the demands of handling complex air traffic scenarios. For those aiming for peak salaries, continuous professional development and certifications are essential, as well as a demonstrated capacity to manage high-stakes operations in aviation.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Commerce City
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Commerce City earn between $202,505 and $227,811 per year (2026 est.). This $136,051 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Commerce City median of $158,207 sits 4.16% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Commerce City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $158,207 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,505 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $227,811 | $221,151 |
In Commerce City, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Commerce City
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $158,207 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Commerce City employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Commerce City command premium compensation, often reaching the $202,505–$227,811 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Commerce City 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 Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCommerce City ranks #16 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $227,811).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Commerce City ($227,811) is 8.54% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,630
2025 BLS Actual
$222,103
2026 Current Est.
$227,811
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,345 | Actual |
| 2021 | $191,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,516 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $222,103 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $233,666 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Commerce City saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $181,630 in 2019 to $222,103 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 $233,666 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Compensation for senior roles can vary significantly based on the specific type of air traffic control facility in Commerce City, including en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and airport traffic control towers. Experienced controllers who focus on en route or radar operations often find themselves in the highest pay-tier category, while those in terminal roles may earn comparatively less but still command solid figures. Notably, the employer type influences earnings, with FAA en route centers typically providing more robust compensation packages compared to military ATC positions. Career advancement paths abound, with options leading from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) roles, traffic management coordinator, and beyond. To reach these advanced positions, obtaining advanced credentials, such as completion of the FAA Academy training and maintaining certifications, is vital. Non-salary compensation, including shift differentials and locality pay for those working in high-demand areas, further enhances the financial rewards of the senior air traffic controller pay landscape in CO.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Commerce City in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Commerce City?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Commerce City?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Commerce City?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Commerce City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $222,103 for air traffic controllers in the Commerce City 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 Commerce City 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