Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$236,238
Top 10% Earn
$113.58/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$205,497
75th Percentile
$236,238
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Longmont, CO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Longmont, CO air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Longmont. The median salary is $160,545, compared to the national median of $151,886.$83.8K$124.9K$165.9K$207.0K$248.0K$93.1K10th Pctl$116.3K25th Pctl$160.5KMedian$205.5K75th Pctl$236.2K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Longmont metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelLongmontNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$93,116 – $160,545

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$160,545 – $205,497

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$205,497+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Longmont 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Longmont. Baseline $188,349 in 2025, projected to $242,310 by 2027.$177.6K$196.4K$215.3K$234.2K$253.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$188.3K$197.4K$198.7K$202.7K$214.7K$225.0K$230.3K$236.2K$242.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$188,349Actual
2020$197,386Actual
2021$198,678Actual
2022$202,748Actual
2023$214,702Actual
2024$224,994Actual
2025$230,319Actual
2026(current)$236,238Estimated
2027$242,310Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Longmont in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Longmont (90th percentile) make $236,238/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $75,693 more than the area median of $160,545 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Longmont?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Longmont is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Longmont?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Longmont include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $160,545, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Longmont?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Longmont is $236,238, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Longmont?

In Longmont, the gap between entry level ($93,116) and top earners ($236,238) is $143,122, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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