Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kalispell, MT: $84,070 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Kalispell, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,070 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kalispell's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,391 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,950) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for new air traffic controllers in Kalispell, Montana, present an interesting entry point for recent graduates. The projected starting salary for entry-level positions is $84,070 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the city median annual salary of $144,950. However, for new air traffic controllers, there is a clear trajectory for growth within the profession, as they can expect to move from the initial P10 range to the P25 level at $104,364 and beyond in their early years. This presents a promising opportunity for newcomers in Kalispell’s job market, especially given the ongoing demand for certified controllers driven by a growth rate of 2.57% expected annually in the sector.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kalispell
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 Kalispell
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Kalispell, MT typically start between $84,070 and $104,364 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,641 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,950 — 4.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Montana of $28,000 represents just 33.31% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,070/year) in Kalispell. 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 Kalispell
- 1Research the Kalispell market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,070 to $104,364, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kalispell, 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 Kalispell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kalispell'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 Kalispell is $108,641 ( 129.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,070, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,711.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,418
2025 BLS Actual
$81,964
2026 Current Est.
$84,070
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,048 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,070 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,231 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Kalispell, MT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,418 in 2019 to $81,964 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,231. New graduates entering the Kalispell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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 Kalispell
In Kalispell, new graduates can find pathways to entering the air traffic control field through employers like the FAA, which recruits fresh talent via periodic public hiring announcements and partnerships with selected universities under the Collegiate Training Initiative. Candidates must meet specific criteria, such as being U.S. citizens and below the age of 31, unless they are military veterans. To enhance earning potential, aspiring controllers should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, including passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which is essential for a successful start in this field. As remote facility assignments typically offer higher pay, career strategies should include seeking placements at top-tier en route centers while staying informed about future FAA hiring initiatives. Realistically, within the first three years, novices can expect to move towards higher pay ranges through the Federal Government's FG pay scale, especially in light of chronic staffing shortages that can often lead to increased opportunities for overtime across various facilities.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kalispell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kalispell 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