Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Evans, CO: $211,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Evans, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $211,504/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Evans's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,432 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a top-tier salary as an air traffic controller in Evans, Colorado, presents an enticing opportunity. Experienced controllers can expect to see compensation as high as $211,504 at the 90th percentile, significantly outpacing the city's median annual salary of $151,038. This sharp contrast underscores the valuable experience premium that seasoned professionals bring to the field. Navigating the complexities of air traffic management, controllers who develop specialized skills, such as managing en route or radar traffic, are better positioned to command these higher salaries. To reach the pinnacle of air traffic controller pay in Evans, one must demonstrate advanced operational capabilities and possibly pursue leadership roles that can further enhance earnings.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Evans earn between $192,061 and $211,504 per year (2026 est.). This $123,851 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Evans median of $151,038 sits 0.56% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Evans | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $151,038 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $192,061 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $211,504 | $221,151 |
In Evans, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Evans
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $151,038 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Evans employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Evans command premium compensation, often reaching the $192,061–$211,504 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Evans 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 Evans 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 Evans
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEvans ranks #30 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $211,504).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Evans ($211,504) is 15.09% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$168,629
2025 BLS Actual
$206,205
2026 Current Est.
$211,504
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $168,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $176,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $177,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $181,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $206,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $211,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $216,940 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Evans saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $168,629 in 2019 to $206,205 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 $216,940 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
Exploring the intricacies of senior air traffic controller pay in CO reveals compelling insights into factors driving compensation. Certain specializations command a premium in Evans, particularly in en route and radar positions, which often lead to the highest salary thresholds. Additionally, compensation can vary significantly based on employer type, with FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities typically offering higher pay than airport control towers or contractor-operated facilities. Career advancement paths also play an essential role; controllers progress from a developmental status to certified professional controller (CPC), eventually moving into supervisory roles. Advanced credentials, such as specialized training at the FAA Academy, further bolster earning potential. Non-salary benefits also influence overall compensation, including shift differentials and overtime pay, which are especially relevant given the ongoing staffing shortages post-2013. The combination of these factors creates a robust framework for experienced air traffic controllers in Evans to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Evans in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Evans?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Evans?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Evans?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Evans?
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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 $206,205 for air traffic controllers in the Evans 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 Evans 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