Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Provo, UT: $220,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Provo, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $220,157/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Provo's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,421 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Provo, Utah, experienced air traffic controllers looking to reach the top of their profession can expect significant earning potential, with the 2026 estimated salary for the top earners (P90) projected at $220,157. This figure places senior air traffic controller pay in Provo close to comparably high compensation levels nationally, providing a strong incentive for established professionals in the field. The median annual salary of $148,377 reflects a substantial experience premium that distinguishes those with over seven years in the role. Achieving this upper-tier pay requires dedication and skill, often involving advanced specialization, leadership positions, or assignments in high-demand facilities.
About the Provo Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Provo
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Provo earn between $189,923 and $220,157 per year (2026 est.). This $134,099 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Provo median of $148,377 sits 2.31% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Provo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,377 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,923 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $220,157 | $221,151 |
In Provo, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.38% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Provo
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $148,377 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Provo employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Provo command premium compensation, often reaching the $189,923–$220,157 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Provo 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 Provo 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 Provo
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedProvo ranks #5 of 41 Utah cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $220,157).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Provo ($220,157) is 7.5% above the Utah average P90 ($204,798).
2019 BLS Actual
$175,528
2025 BLS Actual
$214,641
2026 Current Est.
$220,157
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Provo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $175,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $185,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $200,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,641 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,815 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Provo saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $175,528 in 2019 to $214,641 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 $225,815 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Provo 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 Provo
Senior air traffic controllers in Provo can significantly enhance their earning potential through various avenues of specialization. En route and radar positions command the highest salaries, while roles at FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) or airport traffic control towers also offer competitive compensation. Employment at FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) typically provides higher pay than positions in smaller contract towers. With a clear path for career advancement, moving from a developmental controller role to a certified professional controller (CPC) and subsequently to a traffic management coordinator or supervisor opens opportunities for increased remuneration. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials and meeting FAA requirements, such as passing the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and undergoing rigorous training, can further position controllers to command lucrative salaries, alongside potential locality pay and shift differentials.
More salary data for Provo, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Provo in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Provo?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Provo?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Provo?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Provo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $214,641 for air traffic controllers in the Provo 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 Provo 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