Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Powell, WY: $192,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Powell, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,562/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Powell's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,004 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
For senior air traffic controllers in Powell, WY, the path to top earnings is promising, particularly for those who have honed their skills and experience over a significant career. Projected 2026 salaries reveal the potential for top earners to reach a substantial $192,562 annually, with many expected to earn around $175,022. This wage gap illustrates an experience premium where the median annual salary stands at $137,912, suggesting that seasoned controllers can capitalize on higher pay tiers through specialization, advanced certifications, and managerial opportunities. Achieving this level requires not only years of experience but also a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation within the evolving aviation industry.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Powell
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Powell earn between $175,022 and $192,562 per year (2026 est.). This $112,574 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Powell median of $137,912 sits 9.2% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Powell | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,912 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,022 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,562 | $221,151 |
In Powell, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 39.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Powell
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $137,912 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Powell employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Powell command premium compensation, often reaching the $175,022–$192,562 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Powell 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 Powell 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 Powell
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPowell ranks #9 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $192,562).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Powell ($192,562) is 3.89% below the Wyoming average P90 ($200,348).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,526
2025 BLS Actual
$187,737
2026 Current Est.
$192,562
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $187,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,511 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Powell saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $153,526 in 2019 to $187,737 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 $197,511 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
Specialization plays a vital role in the compensation strategies for experienced air traffic controllers in Powell. Those who focus on areas such as en route or radar operations, which command the highest pay, see considerable rewards; similarly, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and tower operations can yield high salaries as well. Compensation varies widely depending on facility types, with FAA en route centers and military ATC offering some of the best packages, while FAA contract towers may present different pay structures. Career advancement brings additional opportunities for financial growth, moving from a developmental controller to supervisory roles and facility management. Furthermore, advanced credentials, consistent training, and relevant certifications in older air traffic roles can enhance earning potential. Non-salary benefits also significantly influence overall compensation, where shift differentials and overtime can supplement standard pay. Qualifying through specific pathways including the CTI program or military ATC experience can also benefit prospective controllers aiming for higher remuneration in this thriving industry.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Powell in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Powell?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Powell?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Powell?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Powell?
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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 $187,737 for air traffic controllers in the Powell 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 Powell 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