Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $222,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Idaho Falls, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $222,485/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Idaho Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $233,458 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Idaho Falls, senior air traffic controllers enjoy competitive compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $152,042 in 2026. Top earners in the area, particularly those in critical en route positions, can see their earnings soar to $222,485. This level of pay places Idaho Falls' P90 well within reach of national top earners, emphasizing the significant experience premium awarded to controllers with seven or more years in the profession. Reaching this pinnacle of earning potential involves not only years of dedicated service but also the ability to remain adaptable and continuously improve skills in a demanding and evolving field.
About the Idaho Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Idaho Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Idaho Falls earn between $194,613 and $222,485 per year (2026 est.). This $134,300 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Idaho Falls median of $152,042 sits 0.1% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Idaho Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $152,042 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,613 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $222,485 | $221,151 |
In Idaho Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 46.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Idaho Falls
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $152,042 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Idaho Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Idaho Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $194,613–$222,485 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls 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 Idaho 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 Idaho Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedIdaho Falls ranks #5 of 15 Idaho cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $222,485).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Idaho Falls ($222,485) is 0.54% above the Idaho average P90 ($221,291).
2019 BLS Actual
$177,383
2025 BLS Actual
$216,910
2026 Current Est.
$222,485
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $177,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $187,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,944 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $228,202 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Idaho Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $177,383 in 2019 to $216,910 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 $228,202 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
Executive roles within air traffic control in Idaho Falls can significantly influence pay, and specialization plays a key role in identifying higher-earning opportunities. For instance, positions in en route and radar facilities often command the greatest salaries, while those in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and military air traffic control paths can also yield lucrative compensation. The setting of employment creates a distinct variance in financial rewards, with FAA en route centers offering unparalleled pay compared to smaller airports served by FAA contract towers. Career advancement tracks are clearly defined, moving from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and ultimately to managerial positions. Gaining advanced certification can amplify earning potential significantly, as can working night or holiday shifts that offer differential pay. As air traffic controllers manage their careers with clarity, understanding the structure and opportunities within Idaho Falls’ air traffic control framework is essential for maximizing both salary and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Idaho Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Idaho Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Idaho Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Idaho Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Idaho Falls?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 $216,910 for air traffic controllers in the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls 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