Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Windsor, CO: $227,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Windsor, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $227,044/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Windsor's price premium (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,232 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a senior air traffic controller in Windsor, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $160,959, with the potential to earn significantly more at the top of the pay scale. Those in the 90th percentile can command salaries up to $227,044, which highlights a substantial experience premium when compared to the median range. Reaching these top-tier earnings typically requires 7+ years of experience, strategic career moves, and possibly selecting high-demand specializations within the field, such as en route or radar air traffic control. These roles not only demand technical expertise but also an ability to manage complex traffic situations, thereby justifying the higher compensation available for experienced professionals.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Windsor
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Windsor earn between $204,539 and $227,044 per year (2026 est.). This $133,688 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Windsor median of $160,959 sits 5.97% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Windsor | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $160,959 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $204,539 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $227,044 | $221,151 |
In Windsor, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Windsor
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $160,959 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Windsor employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Windsor command premium compensation, often reaching the $204,539–$227,044 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWindsor ranks #17 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $227,044).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Windsor ($227,044) is 8.85% below the Colorado average P90 ($249,081).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,018
2025 BLS Actual
$221,355
2026 Current Est.
$227,044
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,018 | Actual |
| 2020 | $189,704 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $194,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,879 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Windsor saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $181,018 in 2019 to $221,355 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 $232,879 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers can vary greatly based on specialization and employer type. In Windsor, controllers specializing in en route or radar positions often receive the highest pay tiers due to the complexities involved, particularly at FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. More traditional roles like those in airport traffic control towers also offer competitive salaries, though typically lower than their en route counterparts. As professionals ascend the career ladder—from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator or facility manager—they can significantly improve their earning potential. Advanced credentials, including passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and specialized training, further enhance competitiveness in a market characterized by chronic staffing shortages. With locality pay and shift differentials also impacting overall earnings, the senior air traffic controller pay in CO reflects both the responsibilities of the position and the current labor dynamics within the industry.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Windsor in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Windsor?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Windsor?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Windsor?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Windsor?
Related Pages
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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 $221,355 for air traffic controllers in the Windsor 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 Windsor 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