Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tooele, UT: $213,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Tooele, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $213,706/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Tooele's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $217,845 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 Tooele, Utah, the landscape for experienced air traffic controllers is promising, particularly for those reaching the higher echelons of their profession. The projected 2026 salary for top earners in this sector can soar to as much as $213,706, positioning these professionals favorably against national figures for air traffic controllers. Those at the 75th percentile can expect salaries around $182,197, illustrating a significant gap of over $36,000 from the median annual income of $146,350. This highlights an experience premium in senior roles, which typically requires not only substantial years of service but also specialized skills and competencies. Achieving a top air traffic controller salary in Tooele necessitates strategic career decisions, continuous professional development, and potentially mentoring or leadership roles within the air traffic control community.
About the Tooele Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tooele
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Tooele earn between $182,197 and $213,706 per year (2026 est.). This $128,581 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tooele median of $146,350 sits 3.64% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Tooele | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,350 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,197 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $213,706 | $221,151 |
In Tooele, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 46.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Tooele
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $146,350 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tooele employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Tooele command premium compensation, often reaching the $182,197–$213,706 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tooele 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 Tooele 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 Tooele
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTooele ranks #10 of 41 Utah cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $213,706).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Tooele ($213,706) is 4.35% above the Utah average P90 ($204,798).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,384
2025 BLS Actual
$208,351
2026 Current Est.
$213,706
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tooele (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $178,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $179,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $183,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $208,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $213,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $219,198 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Tooele saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $170,384 in 2019 to $208,351 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 $219,198 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tooele 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 Tooele
Compensation for senior-level air traffic controllers in Tooele varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. For instance, en route and radar-based roles often command the highest pay due to their complexity and responsibility level. Controllers working in FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) are responsible for high-altitude traffic, while those in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) handle local traffic within a major airport's vicinity. Facilities at military installations also provide distinct career pathways with different compensation structures. Advancement typically moves through certifications—from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPC) and beyond. Advanced credentials, such as specialty training in traffic management or FAA Academy instructor roles, further enhance earning potential. Given Tooele’s competitive environment, non-salary benefits like overtime, facility level, and shift differentials can substantially augment overall remuneration, making strategic shifts a key consideration for maximizing senior air traffic controller pay in Utah.
More salary data for Tooele, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Tooele in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Tooele?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Tooele?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Tooele?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Tooele?
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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 $208,351 for air traffic controllers in the Tooele 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 Tooele 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