Elko vs Reno: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elko, NV

$139,700

$67.16/hr

Reno, NV

$153,592

$73.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric	Elko, NV	Reno, NV
Median Salary	$139,700	$153,592▲
Hourly Rate	$67.16	$73.84▲
Entry Level (P10)	$83,489	$89,084▲
25th Percentile	$104,547	$110,587▲
75th Percentile	$171,169	$196,598▲
Top Earner (P90)	$185,163	$238,068▲
Total Employed	4	45▲

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.

The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $13,892 (9.94%). Reno's median is +1.12% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $101,674,Reno spans $148,984. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Elko

P10 (Entry)$83,489

P25$104,547

Median$139,700

P75$171,169

P90 (Top)$185,163

Reno

P10 (Entry)$89,084

P25$110,587

Median$153,592

P75$196,598

P90 (Top)$238,068

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($156,248 effective) pays 9.94% more than Elko ($142,116 effective).

Elko

Nominal: $139,700

CoL Index: 98.3

Adjusted: $142,116

Reno

Nominal: $153,592

CoL Index: 98.3

Adjusted: $156,248

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elko if…

✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

✓Higher median salary ($153,592/year)
✓Better top-earner potential ($238,068)
✓Larger job market (45 employed)
✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,248)
✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Elko grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Reno over the same period.

Elko, NV

+0.1%

$136,126 (2024) → $136,200 (2025)

Reno, NV

+0.1%

$149,663 (2024) → $149,744 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Elko, NV

Salary →Hourly →Entry Level →Senior →

Reno, NV

Salary →Hourly →Entry Level →Senior →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Elko or Reno?

Reno has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $153,592/year, compared to Elko at $139,700/year — a difference of $13,892 (9.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Reno?

Elko air traffic controllers earn $67.16/hr while Reno hygienists earn $73.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elko to Reno as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elko and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elko = $142,116, Reno = $156,248), job availability (4 vs 45 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Elko vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $83,489 in Elko and $89,084 in Reno. The Reno area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS 2025, released May 2026.

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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