Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parker, CO: $93,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Parker, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,760 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Parker's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,295 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($161,655) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates aiming for a career in air traffic control can expect an entry-level salary around $93,760 in Parker, Colorado, as of 2026. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $161,655, it presents a solid stepping stone for those new to the field. Over the course of 3 to 5 years, early-career controllers can anticipate growth toward the 25th percentile wage of $116,392, with a clear trajectory toward achieving or exceeding the median salary as they gain experience and competency. Given Parker's evolving job market, recent graduates will find competitive opportunities, positioning themselves for financial stability and professional growth in the years ahead.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Parker
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 Parker
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Parker, CO typically start between $93,760 and $116,392 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $146,337 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $161,655 — 6.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Colorado of $42,000 represents just 44.80% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,760/year) in Parker. 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 Parker
- 1Research the Parker market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,760 to $116,392, 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 Parker, 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 Parker for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Parker'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 Parker is $146,337 ( 156.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,760, experienced hygienists can earn up to $240,097.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,649
2025 BLS Actual
$91,411
2026 Current Est.
$93,760
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,170 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Parker, CO grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,649 in 2019 to $91,411 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,170. New graduates entering the Parker job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parker 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 Parker
In Parker, prospective air traffic controllers should be aware of various pathways into the profession. The FAA actively hires new graduates through public bidding announcements or its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities. Candidates must meet age criteria—typically under 31, unless they are military veterans seeking to transition into civilian roles. The hiring process includes passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Earning credentials and advancing through ongoing training are essential for maximizing starting pay in Colorado. After entry, controllers can expect to progress on the FG pay scale, with the potential to earn significantly more in high-demand facilities in major metropolitan areas. Given the current industry climate, with chronic understaffing driving opportunities for overtime, it’s realistic for early career professionals in Parker to anticipate meaningful salary increases within their first few years as they navigate their careers in air traffic control.
More salary data for Parker, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Parker in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Parker?
Is aviation school worth it in Parker?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Parker?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Parker. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Parker 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