Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Clearfield, UT: $205,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Clearfield, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,534/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Clearfield's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,515 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced air traffic controllers in Clearfield, Utah have the potential to earn noteworthy salaries, with the top earners reaching up to $205,534 annually. This places Clearfield's highest salaries not far behind national trends, with the average top-tier compensation nationwide sitting at $151,886. As the gap between the median salary of $142,327 and the peak earnings demonstrates, seasoned controllers who enhance their expertise in specialized areas can effectively increase their earning potential. Climbing to these upper echelons demands a combination of advanced training, several years of experience, and often a proven track record in handling complex air traffic scenarios.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearfield
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Clearfield earn between $182,179 and $205,534 per year (2026 est.). This $122,985 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Clearfield median of $142,327 sits 6.29% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Clearfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,327 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,179 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,534 | $221,151 |
In Clearfield, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.41% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Clearfield
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $142,327 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Clearfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Clearfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $182,179–$205,534 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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 Utah 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 Clearfield
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedClearfield ranks #24 of 41 Utah cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $205,534).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Clearfield ($205,534) is 0.36% above the Utah average P90 ($204,798).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,869
2025 BLS Actual
$200,384
2026 Current Est.
$205,534
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,869 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,731 | Actual |
| 2021 | $172,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $186,796 | Actual |
| 2024 | $178,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $200,384 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $210,816 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Clearfield saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $163,869 in 2019 to $200,384 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 $210,816 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
A variety of specializations within the air traffic control profession will command significantly higher salaries in Clearfield, particularly for those engaged in en route radar and terminal radar operations. Controllers with roles at FAA en route centers or specializing in traffic management coordination can expect premium compensation, aligning closely with the top salary profiles. To advance into senior roles, controllers typically follow a structured progression from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPCs) and beyond, culminating in managerial positions. Certain advanced credentials, such as federal certifications or specific FAA training, play a crucial role in this advancement. Additionally, factors like employer type influence pay rates; for instance, those working with military ATC or in specialized towers may see different compensation structures compared to FAA facilities. With the ongoing staffing shortages leading to increased overtime opportunities, experienced controllers are likely to see their earnings rise further through available incentives like shift differentials and mandatory overtime.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Clearfield in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Clearfield?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Clearfield?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Clearfield?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Clearfield?
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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 $200,384 for air traffic controllers in the Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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