Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jackson, WY: $184,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Jackson, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $184,747/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $192,847 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Securing a senior air traffic controller position in Jackson, Wyoming presents an enticing financial opportunity, especially for those reaching the top tier of the profession. The projected 2026 salary for the highest earners in this field reaches an impressive $184,747, which notably exceeds the median salary of $136,946. This distinction highlights the significant experience premium available to controllers with seven or more years in the industry. Climbing to such monetary heights requires not just longevity but also a mix of specialized skills, potentially including expertise in en route or radar operations, which command the most lucrative pay scales. Competence in these areas not only maximizes annual earnings but also positions controllers for leadership roles in a competitive market.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $169,795 and $184,747 per year (2026 est.). This $105,318 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $136,946 sits 9.84% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,946 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,795 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $184,747 | $221,151 |
In Jackson, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 34.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $136,946 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $169,795–$184,747 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Wyoming 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 Jackson
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #14 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $184,747).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Jackson ($184,747) is 7.79% below the Wyoming average P90 ($200,348).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,296
2025 BLS Actual
$180,118
2026 Current Est.
$184,747
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $184,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,495 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $147,296 in 2019 to $180,118 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 $189,495 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Compensation for seasoned air traffic controllers in Jackson varies significantly across employer types, affecting senior-level pay structures. Those working in FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities typically enjoy higher wages compared to their counterparts in airport traffic control towers or smaller contract-operated facilities. Additionally, specialized roles such as Traffic Management Coordinators or military air traffic controllers transitioning to civilian positions carry premium pay potential, particularly for those who become certified professional controllers (CPC). Career advancement options abound, allowing controllers to move from developmental positions to management roles, such as facility manager or operations supervisor. Attaining advanced credentials further boosts earning potential, making the journey to top air traffic controller salary figures in Jackson sustainable and achievable for highly qualified professionals committed to their careers.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Jackson?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Jackson?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Jackson?
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 $180,118 for air traffic controllers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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