Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $72.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Golden, CO runs $72.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,066 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $72.17 in 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the demanding nature of air traffic control jobs, whether at en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control towers. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, there’s potential for substantial weekly earnings, especially for per-diem workers who might rotate among various FAA facilities based on staffing needs. The estimated hourly range for air traffic controllers here spans from $41.86 at entry-level positions to about $100.02 for the highest earners, revealing opportunities for significant income as controllers gain experience. It's essential to understand that these hourly estimates derive from annual salary data, underpinning an industry where every hour worked impacts financial stability.
About the Golden 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) | $41.86 | $334.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.56 | $420.45 |
| Median (P50) | $72.17 | $577.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.29 | $730.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.02 | $800.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $72.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.17/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $150,110 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,602. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,886.73 | $12,509 | $150,110 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,732.04 | $7,505 | $90,066 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,154.69 | $5,004 | $60,044 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Golden) | $72.17 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $150,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $163,159.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.17/hr = $90,066/year (purchasing power: $85,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,110/year (purchasing power: $142,962).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Golden grew 20.4% from $58.44/hr (2019) to $70.36/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.02/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 Golden 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 Golden
Evaluating the earnings potential for air traffic controllers in Golden, part-time workers could realistically expect annual take-home earnings that are considerably lower compared to their full-time counterparts. While full-time controllers may accrue overtime earnings through extended shifts—which can push total compensations significantly higher—those in part-time roles are limited by their schedules. Many agency and per-diem air traffic controllers find themselves working more than the typical hours, often pulling in $50k to $100k annually just from overtime. In Golden, hourly rates can vary dramatically depending on the type of employer, with FAA facilities typically offering competitive pay but possibly lower benefits than contractor-operated towers. Navigating these environments effectively often requires a willingness to negotiate, particularly for those who might prefer higher hourly rates at the cost of health and retirement benefits typically offered by federal positions. Understanding the nuances of the sector, including the implications of mandatory retirement at age 56, can also influence career decisions and earnings trajectories in the long run.
More salary data for Golden, 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 Golden. 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 Golden 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