Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Herriman, UT: $84,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Herriman, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Herriman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,300) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Herriman, Utah, new graduates entering the air traffic control field can anticipate a starting salary around $84,854 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual pay of $146,300, it still provides a solid foundation for those setting out in this vital profession. Newly licensed controllers can expect their earnings to increase over time, with realistic pay progression taking them from the entry-level bracket to the 25th percentile at approximately $105,335 within the first three to five years. Given these trends, Herriman represents a promising job market for aspiring air traffic controllers, particularly with its cost of living index falling below the national average, further enhancing the financial outlook for new graduates in this area.
About the Herriman Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Herriman
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 Herriman
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Herriman, UT typically start between $84,854 and $105,335 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,300 — 3.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 37.71% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,854/year) in Herriman. 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 Herriman
- 1Research the Herriman market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,854 to $105,335, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Herriman, 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 Herriman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Herriman'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 Herriman is $129,673 ( 152.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,527.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,084
2025 BLS Actual
$82,728
2026 Current Est.
$84,854
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Herriman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,035 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Herriman, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,084 in 2019 to $82,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,035. New graduates entering the Herriman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herriman 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 Herriman
In Herriman, hiring opportunities for entry-level air traffic controllers primarily arise through the FAA, which recruits new personnel during periodic public bid windows. Applicants should be under age 31 unless they are military veterans, and they can also enter via Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with designated universities. Candidates are expected to possess citizenship, and meeting FAA qualifications involves passing the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and undergoing continued medical assessments. For recent graduates, the initial phase usually involves gaining experience in tower, terminal, or en route facilities, with an anticipated salary uptick as controllers achieve full certification. The necessity to be prepared for varying shifts and places of service, coupled with the potential for both overtime and advanced roles at top-tier facilities, allows for greater earnings potential over time, particularly in the context of chronic workforce shortages following past budget constraints.
More salary data for Herriman, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Herriman in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Herriman?
Is aviation school worth it in Herriman?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Herriman?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Herriman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Herriman 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