Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Northglenn, CO: $74.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Northglenn, CO runs $74.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Northglenn's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northglenn, Colorado, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $74.37 in 2026, offering a competitive rate compared to the national median of $73.02. This hourly figure enables both full-time and part-time workers to benefit significantly from their roles in high-pressure environments, such as at radar consoles in en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, or bustling airport towers. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the potential earnings can be substantial, but they must navigate the varying hours dictated by traffic demands. Entry-level controllers in the area may start at around $43.13 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $106.41, illustrating a wide range that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned professionals.
About the Northglenn 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) | $43.13 | $345.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.55 | $428.41 |
| Median (P50) | $74.37 | $594.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.20 | $761.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.41 | $851.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northglenn
Based on $74.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.37/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northglenn, CO can expect to earn approximately $154,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,248. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northglenn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northglenn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,974.94 | $12,891 | $154,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,784.96 | $7,735 | $92,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,189.98 | $5,157 | $61,879 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Northglenn) | $74.37 |
| 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 Northglenn, CO earn a median of $154,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.85% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $163,007.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.37/hr = $92,818/year (purchasing power: $88,398).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,697/year (purchasing power: $147,330).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Northglenn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Northglenn grew 20.4% from $60.22/hr (2019) to $72.51/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.28/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 Northglenn 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 Northglenn
For part-time air traffic controllers who opt for a 24-hour workweek, the financial outlook can differ markedly when compared to full-time positions. With a potential full-time workload often extending to 50-60 hours each week, controllers at understaffed facilities frequently see their effective hourly compensation rise due to overtime pay, reaching totals well above their base rate. The flexibility of per diem air traffic controller pay in Northglenn can also appeal to those seeking more control over their schedules, allowing for negotiated rates during training or shifts. Different types of employers, such as FAA en route centers or contract towers serving smaller airports, present varied pay scales and benefit structures, sometimes affecting decisions between accepting a lower hourly rate with robust health insurance or pursuing a higher rate in positions without added benefits. Controllers should consider their negotiation strategies carefully and weigh the trade-offs relevant to their specific circumstances within the local job market.
More salary data for Northglenn, 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 Northglenn. 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 Northglenn 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