Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Evanston, WY: $84,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Evanston, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,339 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,887) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Aspiring air traffic controllers looking for entry-level positions in Evanston, Wyoming can anticipate a starting air traffic controller salary of about $84,629 in 2026. While this figure falls below the city’s median annual salary of $139,887, it reflects a promising trajectory for new graduates entering the field. With potential growth to $104,991 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median, the financial outlook is encouraging for those dedicated to this career path. Evanston's relatively small market may present a unique opportunity for new graduates, who can leverage their enthusiasm and fresh training to make their mark in a community that, despite its size, is an essential hub for air traffic operations in the region.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Evanston, WY typically start between $84,629 and $104,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,909 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,887 — 7.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $25,000 represents just 29.54% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,629/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,629 to $104,991, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston'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 Evanston is $100,909 ( 119.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $185,538.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,893
2025 BLS Actual
$82,509
2026 Current Est.
$84,629
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,628 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,732 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,804 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, WY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,893 in 2019 to $82,509 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,804. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
For new entrants into air traffic control, awareness of local hiring practices is vital. Evanston offers opportunities primarily through the FAA, which recruits new controllers via public bid windows and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, the latter partnering with select universities. Military veterans can take advantage of the Veterans Recruitment Authority, allowing for a quicker pathway into the profession. Additionally, various educational credentials, such as U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) bolster an applicant's profile. In the first few years, controllers can expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience and move up the facility tiers on the FG pay scale— though initial positions may not match the national averages. Top-tier facilities like ZNY or ZLA demonstrate significant earning potential over time, especially as controller shortages in the industry continuously prompt overtime opportunities, challenging new entrants and well-seasoned professionals alike. Salary growth in these formative years, albeit modest, sets the stage for meaningful lifetime earnings in a rewarding career.
More salary data for Evanston, WY:
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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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