Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sheridan, WY: $82,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Sheridan, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,645 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sheridan's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,268 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sheridan, Wyoming, new graduates entering the field of air traffic control can expect a starting pay of about $82,645 in 2026. This entry-level air traffic controller salary is noticeably lower than the city’s median salary of $142,490, highlighting a significant gap that reflects the typical journey new controllers undertake as they progress in their careers. Within the first few years, dedicated individuals can anticipate salary growth opportunities that will bring them closer to the median, as entry-level positions often transition toward higher pay brackets, including the first percentile ($102,593) as they gain experience and certification. Despite the starting salary, Sheridan presents a relatively good market for recent graduates, offering a path to career advancement in a community that, while small, is well-suited for those looking to break into this dynamic profession.
About the Sheridan Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sheridan
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 Sheridan
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Sheridan, WY typically start between $82,645 and $102,593 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,660 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,490 — 6.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wyoming of $25,000 represents just 30.25% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,645/year) in Sheridan. 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 Sheridan
- 1Research the Sheridan market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,645 to $102,593, 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 Sheridan, 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 Sheridan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sheridan'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 Sheridan is $111,660 ( 135.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,645, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,305.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,207
2025 BLS Actual
$80,574
2026 Current Est.
$82,645
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sheridan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,207 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,611 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,574 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,769 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Sheridan, WY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,207 in 2019 to $80,574 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,769. New graduates entering the Sheridan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheridan 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 Sheridan
The FAA remains the primary employer for aspiring air traffic controllers in Sheridan, actively recruiting through public bid announcements and established partnerships with universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). For those under age 31, opportunities are abundant, while military veterans enjoy unique pathways through the Veterans Recruitment Authority. To enhance starting air traffic controller pay in Wyoming, it is advisable for candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or have relevant work experience, along with the successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). It’s crucial for new controllers to understand that they are starting their careers as federal employees on the FG pay scale, which aims to ensure steady growth, especially for those who may look toward top-tier en route facilities. These roles can escalate salaries significantly within a few years, especially considering the ongoing need for qualified air traffic controllers due to chronic understaffing. Furthermore, mandatory retirement at age 56 creates continual demand for fresh talent in the industry.
More salary data for Sheridan, 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 Sheridan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sheridan 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