Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Loveland, CO: $225,707 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Loveland, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $225,707/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Loveland's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,959 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$225,707
Top 10% Earn
$108.51/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$201,711
75th Percentile
$225,707
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For experienced air traffic controllers in Loveland, Colorado, the compensation landscape reveals substantial earning potential as they progress into senior roles. Those who reach the 90th percentile can expect to make an impressive $225,707 annually in 2026, significantly higher than the median salary of $157,586 that classifies many air traffic controllers. This difference highlights the substantial experience premium associated with advanced positions in this field, marking a notable gap that incentivizes those with more than seven years of experience to aim for top-level roles. Achieving this level of income typically requires specialization in high-demand areas such as en route or radar control, where challenges and responsibilities are markedly elevated.

About the Loveland Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Loveland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Loveland. The median salary is $157,586, compared to the national median of $151,886.$82.3K$120.9K$159.6K$198.3K$237.0K$91.4K10th Pctl$113.5K25th Pctl$157.6KMedian$201.7K75th Pctl$225.7K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Loveland earn between $201,711 and $225,707 per year (2026 est.). This $134,307 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Loveland median of $157,586 sits 3.75% above the US median.

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

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelLovelandNational
Median (P50)$157,586$151,886
75th Percentile$201,711$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$225,707$221,151

In Loveland, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Loveland

1

Advanced Certifications in Colorado

CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $157,586 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Loveland employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Loveland command premium compensation, often reaching the $201,711–$225,707 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Loveland 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 Loveland 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 Loveland

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$91,400 – $157,586

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$157,586 – $201,711

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$201,711+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Loveland ranks #20 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $225,707).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Loveland ($225,707) is 9.38% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).

2019 BLS Actual

$179,953

2025 BLS Actual

$220,052

2026 Current Est.

$225,707

2019–2027 Growth

+28.6%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Loveland (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 Loveland. Baseline $179,953 in 2025, projected to $231,508 by 2027.$169.6K$187.7K$205.7K$223.8K$241.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$180.0K$188.6K$189.8K$193.7K$205.1K$215.0K$220.1K$225.7K$231.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$179,953Actual
2020$188,587Actual
2021$189,822Actual
2022$193,710Actual
2023$205,131Actual
2024$214,963Actual
2025$220,052Actual
2026(current)$225,707Estimated
2027$231,508Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Loveland saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $179,953 in 2019 to $220,052 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 $231,508 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland

When examining the nuances of senior air traffic controller pay in Loveland, various factors come into play that influence compensation levels. Specializations such as en route and terminal radar approach control notably command higher salaries, as do roles in military air traffic control and traffic management coordination. The type of employer also affects earnings, with FAA en route centers generally offering more lucrative packages compared to smaller airports managed by contractors. Additionally, advancing through the structured career path—from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC)—opens the door to increased pay and additional perks. Superior qualifications, including advanced credentials and shift differentials, further enhance the overall compensation for these professionals. Given the chronic staffing shortages and operational stressors that have emerged post-sequester, senior air traffic controllers find themselves in a position not only to secure favorable salaries but also to optimize their total compensation with increasingly available overtime opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Loveland (90th percentile) make $225,707/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $68,121 more than the area median of $157,586 — 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 Loveland?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Loveland 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 Loveland?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Loveland include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $157,586, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Loveland?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Loveland is $225,707, 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 Loveland?

In Loveland, the gap between entry level ($91,400) and top earners ($225,707) is $134,307, 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

Nearby Cities in Colorado

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 $220,052 for air traffic controllers in the Loveland 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 Loveland 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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