Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $80.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Arvada, CO runs $80.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the 2026 median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $80.28, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This substantial pay level reflects both the demanding nature of the job and the cost of living in the area. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this translates into tangible benefits even for reduced hours, as they still command a respectable income while balancing work and personal life. Those in positions like en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers can expect to earn between $46.57 and $115.49 per hour, depending on experience and specific job demands. Such variations can influence the choice between full-time and part-time roles, allowing individuals to shape a work schedule that fits both their professional and personal aspirations.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.57 | $372.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.81 | $462.47 |
| Median (P50) | $80.28 | $642.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.49 | $819.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.49 | $923.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $80.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.28/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $166,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,338. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,211.26 | $13,915 | $166,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,926.76 | $8,349 | $100,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,284.50 | $5,566 | $66,794 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Arvada) | $80.28 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Arvada, CO earn a median of $166,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $163,076.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.28/hr = $100,191/year (purchasing power: $95,420).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,986/year (purchasing power: $159,034).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Arvada grew 20.4% from $65.01/hr (2019) to $78.27/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Arvada
The earning potential for a three-day-a-week controller in Arvada can yield significant take-home pay compared to full-time roles, especially as controllers often engage in overtime, which is paid at 1.5 times the base rate. Many professionals in this field frequently work 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to annual compensation that can exceed $240,226 with overtime. This is particularly relevant for per diem air traffic controller pay in Arvada, where agency workers may negotiate rates based on facility training needs. The pay dynamics fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and control towers offering various hourly rates influenced by their staffing needs and operational structures. While some controllers might accept lower hourly pay for robust health benefits, negotiating based on specific skills and flexibility can empower workers to maximize their earnings, especially in an environment where chronic understaffing allows for abundant overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Arvada. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arvada 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