Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lehi, UT: $208,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lehi, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $208,253/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lehi's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,286 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
Senior air traffic controllers in Lehi, UT have the potential to earn significantly high salaries, with the 2026 top end of the pay scale reaching $208,253. This level of compensation reflects a premium for both the expertise and experience an individual brings to the role, particularly for those who have dedicated seven or more years to the profession. The median salary of $144,577 indicates that experienced professionals enjoy a notable difference from entry-level positions, but those who excel and attain the most complex responsibilities within the field can find themselves earning even more. The gap between the median and the highest pay highlights the rewarding nature of pushing boundaries in this career, encouraging controllers to pursue specializations and leadership roles that allow for such advancement.
About the Lehi Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lehi
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lehi earn between $185,058 and $208,253 per year (2026 est.). This $124,399 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lehi median of $144,577 sits 4.81% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lehi | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,577 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,058 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $208,253 | $221,151 |
In Lehi, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lehi
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $144,577 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lehi employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lehi command premium compensation, often reaching the $185,058–$208,253 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lehi 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 Lehi 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 Lehi
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLehi ranks #20 of 41 Utah cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $208,253).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lehi ($208,253) is 1.69% above the Utah average P90 ($204,798).
2019 BLS Actual
$166,037
2025 BLS Actual
$203,035
2026 Current Est.
$208,253
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lehi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $166,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $174,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $175,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,899 | Actual |
| 2025 | $203,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $208,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $213,605 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lehi saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $166,037 in 2019 to $203,035 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 $213,605 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lehi 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 Lehi
In Lehi, specialized roles such as en route radar controllers or traffic management coordinators command higher pay due to their critical functions in regulating air traffic. Salary levels differ significantly depending on employment type; for instance, FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities typically offer more favorable compensation packages compared to smaller contract towers. Furthermore, opportunities for career advancement are abundant, allowing dedicated controllers to evolve from developmental positions to certified professional controllers, and potentially up to operations supervisors or facility managers. To ascend the ranks effectively, obtaining advanced credentials can be beneficial; rigorous training and qualifications are essential to meeting the FAA's standards. In this context, additional pay can come from factors like shift differentials, overtime, or locality pay, which reflects the competitive landscape of air traffic control in Utah.
More salary data for Lehi, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lehi in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lehi?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lehi?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lehi?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lehi?
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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 $203,035 for air traffic controllers in the Lehi 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 Lehi 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