📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Colorado (2026)

Colorado · 10.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$152,438
per year
Median
$145,728
per year
Hourly
$73.29
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$84,843
25th Percentile — Junior$109,703
50th Percentile — Median$145,728
75th Percentile — Senior$165,638
90th Percentile — Top Earners$186,694
💡 Top-earning Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado make up to $186,694 per year. The job market in Colorado is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$134.7k
2021
$138.1k
2022
$141.6k
2023
$145.1k
2024
$148.7k
2025
$152.4k
2026
📈 Air Traffic Controller salaries in Colorado have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Colorado's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Air Traffic Controller Salary by City in Colorado
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Denver $175,304 +15.0% High
Colorado Springs $161,584 +6.0% High
Aurora $167,682 +10.0% High
🔍
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Colorado
Key factors affecting compensation

Colorado is home to a very strong job market for Air Traffic Controllers. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $152,438 per year, Colorado's Air Traffic Controller salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Colorado (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Colorado can expect to earn $84,843–$109,703, while experienced Air Traffic Controllers can command $165,638–$186,694.

Looking ahead, the Air Traffic Controller profession in Colorado is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Air Traffic Controller salary in Colorado is $152,438 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $138,580.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Air Traffic Controllers the highest wages in Colorado due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Colorado has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Air Traffic Controller employment.
  • At $152,438/year, Colorado Air Traffic Controller salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $138,580/year.