Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laramie, WY: $203,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Laramie, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $203,253/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Laramie's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,164 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned professionals in air traffic control, the earning potential in Laramie, Wyoming, is particularly noteworthy as they can expect to see substantial compensation well above the median level. In 2026, the top earners in this role could achieve salaries as high as $203,253, reflecting the significant experience premium associated with senior positions. This higher-end salary showcases a clear disparity compared to the median annual salary of $147,501, illustrating the financial rewards for those who reach advanced levels in their careers. Advancing to this elite tier typically entails mastering multiple air traffic control specializations, extensive training, and often contributing to alleviating staffing shortages endemic in the industry.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Laramie earn between $184,508 and $203,253 per year (2026 est.). This $117,702 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Laramie median of $147,501 sits 2.89% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Laramie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $147,501 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,508 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $203,253 | $221,151 |
In Laramie, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.80% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Laramie
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $147,501 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Laramie employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Laramie command premium compensation, often reaching the $184,508–$203,253 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Laramie 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 Laramie 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 Laramie
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLaramie ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $203,253).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Laramie ($203,253) is 1.45% above the Wyoming average P90 ($200,348).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,050
2025 BLS Actual
$198,160
2026 Current Est.
$203,253
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $169,825 | Actual |
| 2021 | $170,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $184,723 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $198,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $203,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,476 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Laramie saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $162,050 in 2019 to $198,160 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 $208,476 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
When evaluating senior air traffic controller pay in WY, a variety of factors influence compensation beyond just years of experience. Specializations such as en route and radar operations fetch the highest premiums, while terminal radar, military ATC, and traffic management coordination roles also provide lucrative opportunities. The compensation landscape varies significantly by employer type: controllers working at FAA en route centers tend to see higher pay compared to those at terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities or towers due to the complexity and volume of traffic managed. Pursuing paths into leadership, such as becoming a traffic management coordinator or facility manager, enables further advancement and higher compensation. In Wyoming, achieving advanced credentials such as CPC certification, along with the relevant training, can enhance earning potential significantly. Additional factors like shift differentials and overtime availability also play critical roles in boosting the total earnings of an experienced air traffic controller salary in Laramie, especially amid ongoing staff shortages.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Laramie in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Laramie?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Laramie?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Laramie?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Laramie?
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 $198,160 for air traffic controllers in the Laramie 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 Laramie 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