Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Burlington, VT: $157,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,894/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $152,555 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as an air traffic controller in South Burlington, Vermont, is highly attainable for experienced professionals with 7 or more years in the field. With a median annual salary projected at $112,513 in 2026, senior controllers can leap into the upper echelons of pay, reaching as high as $157,894 at the 90th percentile. This represents a substantial experience premium, reflecting the expertise required to excel in demanding environments. To access these elevated salary figures, candidates must cultivate advanced skills and specializations, often transitioning through key milestones in their careers, such as obtaining certified professional controller (CPC) status and pursuing additional roles in traffic management or operations supervision.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $143,282 and $157,894 per year (2026 est.). This $92,636 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $112,513 sits 25.92% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $112,513 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,282 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,894 | $221,151 |
In South Burlington, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $112,513 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $143,282–$157,894 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #8 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $157,894).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in South Burlington ($157,894) is 9.54% below the Vermont average P90 ($174,538).
2019 BLS Actual
$125,886
2025 BLS Actual
$153,938
2026 Current Est.
$157,894
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,952 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $125,886 in 2019 to $153,938 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 $161,952 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Diverse specializations can significantly influence the senior air traffic controller pay in VT. For instance, those working in en route radar facilities may command some of the highest salaries due to the complexity and volume of traffic they manage. Terminal radar, tower operations, and military air traffic control roles also provide distinct compensation levels, tailored to their unique demands. Furthermore, salary offerings vary widely among employers, with federal facilities typically providing greater financial rewards than civilian contractors. Advancing one's career within FAA ranks—from a developmental controller to a facility manager—can enhance earning potential significantly. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, such as CPC certification or pursuing a role as an FAA Academy instructor, further drives compensation while also offering non-salary perks such as shift differentials and overtime pay that can boost overall earnings. In South Burlington, the pathway to a lucrative air traffic controller salary not only hinges on experience but also on strategic career moves that align with the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in South Burlington?
Related Pages
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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 $153,938 for air traffic controllers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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