Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lewiston, ID: $205,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lewiston, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,425/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lewiston's price premium (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $215,556 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lewiston, Idaho, seasoned air traffic controllers can expect significant earning potential, particularly for those who excel in their roles. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $144,504, but top earners in the field can achieve impressive compensation, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $205,425 and the 75th percentile at $184,598. This reflects a notable experience premium, as the gap between median earnings and what the highest-earning professionals take home illustrates the value of advanced skills and tenure in this sector. Attaining top-tier pay often requires specialization in high-demand areas such as en route radar, and pursuing advanced certifications or roles within the FAA system can help controllers navigate their career trajectory toward these premium salaries.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lewiston earn between $184,598 and $205,425 per year (2026 est.). This $121,613 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lewiston median of $144,504 sits 4.86% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lewiston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,504 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,598 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,425 | $221,151 |
In Lewiston, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.16% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lewiston
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $144,504 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lewiston employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lewiston command premium compensation, often reaching the $184,598–$205,425 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLewiston ranks #11 of 15 Idaho cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $205,425).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lewiston ($205,425) is 7.17% below the Idaho average P90 ($221,291).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,782
2025 BLS Actual
$200,278
2026 Current Est.
$205,425
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $172,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $186,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $200,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $210,705 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lewiston saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $163,782 in 2019 to $200,278 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 $210,705 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston
In-depth knowledge and specialization are key drivers of senior air traffic controller pay in Lewiston, with distinct sectors offering varied compensation scales. For instance, en route facilities often reward controllers handling high-altitude traffic with heightened pay, while terminal radar and tower controllers see differences based on their working environment and operational complexity. Various career paths exist within the FAA and military spheres, where a transition can lead to substantial salary increments, especially in high-traffic FAA en route centers. Leadership opportunities abound for those looking to ascend from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator or facility manager. Controller salaries also benefit from factors like shift differentials and overtime, particularly significant in a labor market facing chronic staffing challenges, making advanced credentials even more valuable for those in the Idaho region.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lewiston in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lewiston?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lewiston?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lewiston?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lewiston?
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 $200,278 for air traffic controllers in the Lewiston 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 Lewiston 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