Air Traffic Controller Salary in Colorado
Based on 70+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$77,500
$37.26/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
+36.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $96K
70 employed in Colorado
Air Traffic Controller salary in Colorado averages $77,500 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for this specialized profession. With approximately 70 air traffic controllers currently employed across Colorado, this figure represents a 36% premium above the national average, reflecting the state's strong demand for these critical aviation professionals.
Several factors influence Air Traffic Controller salary in Colorado, including facility type, experience level, and shift assignments. Controllers working at major airports or facilities handling complex airspace typically earn toward the higher end of the $49,800 to $95,680 range. Additional compensation comes from overtime, shift differentials, and federal benefits, which collectively enhance the overall earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,800 |
| 25th percentile | $66,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,500 |
| 75th percentile | $85,810 |
| 90th percentile | $95,680 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,120 |
| 2023 | $67,910 |
| 2024 | $72,720 |
| 2025 | $77,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,150 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,120 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $67,910 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $72,720 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $77,500 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,150 | $60,364 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,680 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Air Traffic Controller ($77,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CO | $307,490 | +296.8% | $147.83/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CO | $81,230 | +4.8% | $39.05/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | -18.4% | $30.40/hr |
| Electrician in CO | $62,230 | -19.7% | $29.92/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CO | $61,280 | -20.9% | $29.46/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CO | $51,280 | -33.8% | $24.65/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CO | $47,900 | -38.2% | $23.03/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | +0.1% | $37.31/hr |
| Editor in CO | $77,870 | +0.5% | $37.44/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | +0.7% | $37.53/hr |
| Writer and Author in CO | $76,830 | -0.9% | $36.94/hr |
| Paralegal in CO | $78,190 | +0.9% | $37.59/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Colorado?
- Air traffic controllers in Colorado earn a median salary of $77,500 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 36.1% premium for the state.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers in Colorado?
- The salary range for air traffic controllers in Colorado spans from $49,800 at the lower end to $95,680 at the upper end, reflecting variation based on experience and facility assignment.
Is the air traffic controller salary in Colorado above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's air traffic controller median salary of $77,500 is 36.1% higher than the national average, making it a competitive location for this profession.
How many air traffic controllers are employed in Colorado?
- There are currently 70 air traffic controllers employed in Colorado according to the latest employment data.