Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Longmont, CO: $236,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Longmont, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $236,238/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Longmont's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,989 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

Longmont, Colorado, presents a compelling opportunity for experienced air traffic controllers seeking competitive compensation. With a median annual salary projected at $160,545 in 2026, seasoned professionals can aspire to significantly higher earnings, with the top-tier pay reaching as much as $236,238. This represents a substantial gap between the median salary and what elite earners command, attesting to the experience premium that exists in this market. Achieving these top-tier figures requires not only extensive experience—typically more than seven years in the field—but also specialized skills and an understanding of current operational demands. Controllers in Longmont, given its strategic location and operational demands, often find themselves well-paid as they navigate complex air traffic management.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longmont
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Longmont earn between $205,497 and $236,238 per year (2026 est.). This $143,122 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Longmont median of $160,545 sits 5.7% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Longmont | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $160,545 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $205,497 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $236,238 | $221,151 |
In Longmont, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 47.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Longmont
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $160,545 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Longmont employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Longmont command premium compensation, often reaching the $205,497–$236,238 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Longmont 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 Longmont 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 Longmont
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLongmont ranks #14 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $236,238).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Longmont ($236,238) is 5.16% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$188,349
2025 BLS Actual
$230,319
2026 Current Est.
$236,238
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $188,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $197,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $198,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $202,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,702 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,994 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,310 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Longmont saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $188,349 in 2019 to $230,319 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 $242,310 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont 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 Longmont
In Longmont, various specializations within air traffic control can lead to premium pay opportunities. Those focusing on en route and radar operations often secure the highest salaries, followed closely by roles in terminal radar (TRACON) and tower operations at visual flight rules airports. Senior air traffic controllers employed by the FAA typically earn more than those in smaller contract towers, with factors like agency type, facility tier, and specialized responsibilities shaping compensation. Traditional career advancement paths include moving from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), and onward to roles such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor. Notably, advanced credentials significantly influence salary potential; factors such as age eligibility, educational background, and successful completion of both the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and rigorous training programs at the FAA Academy can enhance one's prospects. In addition to base salaries, senior controllers benefit from shift differentials and overtime, especially within a system that faces chronic understaffing and increasing demands for air traffic management.
More salary data for Longmont, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Longmont in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Longmont?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Longmont?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Longmont?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Longmont?
Related Pages
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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 $230,319 for air traffic controllers in the Longmont 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 Longmont 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