Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Erie, CO: $93,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,591 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,134 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($161,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to become air traffic controllers in Erie, Colorado, the 2026 starting air traffic controller salary reflects a promising entry point into the industry. At $93,591 for the lower 10th percentile, entry-level positions may look modest compared to the median annual salary of $161,364 for controllers in the area. With a clear career trajectory, new graduates can expect their pay to grow significantly within the first few years, reaching the 25th percentile of $116,182 as they gain experience and responsibility. Given Erie’s competitive job market and the ongoing demand for air traffic controllers, this is a favorable environment for recent graduates to kick-start their careers and work towards the higher ends of the pay scale.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Erie, CO typically start between $93,591 and $116,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,116 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $161,364 — 6.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Colorado of $42,000 represents just 44.88% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,591/year) in Erie. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,591 to $116,182, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Erie, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Erie is $129,116 ( 137.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,591, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,707.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,506
2025 BLS Actual
$91,246
2026 Current Est.
$93,591
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,651 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,996 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,506 in 2019 to $91,246 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,996. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Erie
In Erie, the FAA serves as the primary employer, often seeking to fill positions through various recruitment pathways, including off-the-street hiring and partnerships with Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs. Notably, applicants must be under 31 unless they have military backgrounds, which adds a layer of competition. A bachelor’s degree, along with successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), is essential for those entering the field. To enhance their starting income, new controllers should consider additional credentials and continuing education opportunities available in Colorado. With feeders from the FAA Academy and ongoing professional development, many employees find themselves advancing swiftly within their first few years. New hires in high-tier facilities can anticipate substantial salary growth fueled by overtime opportunities, particularly important given the sector's chronic understaffing — a trend that has emerged post-2013.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Erie in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Erie?
Is aviation school worth it in Erie?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie 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