Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Colorado | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,310 | $144,580 | +19.2% vs US |
| State Rank | #5 of 47 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 780 jobs | 22,400 jobs | 3.5% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,260 | $35.70 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,400 | $49.71 |
| Median | $172,310 | $82.84 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,600 | $94.52 |
| 90th Percentile | $207,130 | $99.58 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado in 2026?
With a median salary of $172,310 in Colorado and a 2015–2024 salary trend of +29.7%, air traffic controllers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can air traffic controllers increase their salary in Colorado?
Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Colorado currently ranks #5 out of 47 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Engineering Services | $176,570 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $176,570 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $164,370 |
How are Air Traffic Controllers paid in Colorado compared to the national average?
The median salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado is $172,310, which is 19.2% above the national median of $144,580.