Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Ogden, UT: $81,749 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the North Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,749 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,462) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of air traffic control, the starting air traffic controller salary in North Ogden, Utah, is projected to begin at approximately $81,749 in 2026. This initial salary represents a significant gap from the area’s median annual pay of $138,462. New grads can expect upward mobility as they gain experience; with dedicated hard work, they could earn around $102,454 after a few years. Given the 2.57% annual growth rate and acute demand for controllers, North Ogden presents a viable market for entry-level applicants keen on building their careers in air traffic control.
About the North Ogden Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Ogden
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 North Ogden
Entry-level air traffic controllers in North Ogden, UT typically start between $81,749 and $102,454 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,462 — 8.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Utah of $32,000 represents just 39.14% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,749/year) in North Ogden. 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 North Ogden
- 1Research the North Ogden market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,749 to $102,454, 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 North Ogden, 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 North Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Ogden'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 North Ogden is $108,271 ( 132.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,749, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,020.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,446
2025 BLS Actual
$79,701
2026 Current Est.
$81,749
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,749 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,850 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in North Ogden, UT grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,446 in 2019 to $79,701 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,850. New graduates entering the North Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Ogden 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 North Ogden
New graduates seeking opportunities in North Ogden should consider the FAA as a primary employer. The FAA recruits through public bid windows for off-the-street hires and partners with universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To qualify, candidates must be under 31 unless they are military veterans. Prospective controllers are also expected to have a bachelor's degree or three years of relevant experience and must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Training through the FAA Academy is a paid program, vital for securing certifications and progressing to a full-certified professional controller (CPC). Expect salaries to grow through proactive career strategies like taking advantage of training programs and seeking employment in higher-tier facilities. With the industry's current pace, significant pay increases can be expected in the first few years of employment, making North Ogden's market promising for those who are dedicated and possess the right credentials.
More salary data for North Ogden, UT:
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 North Ogden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Ogden 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