Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gilbert, AZ: $153,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Gilbert, AZ earns a median $153,400/year (≈ $73.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Gilbert's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $155,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilbert, Arizona, air traffic controller salaries are significantly influenced by mandated overtime due to chronic understaffing, leading to effective compensation that surpasses the national average. The 2026 median annual salary is projected at $153,400, with a range extending from $88,971 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $236,946 at the high end (P90). This salary framework, derived from the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, positions Gilbert slightly above the national median of $151,886, suggesting a competitive air traffic controller pay in Gilbert, AZ. As the labor market continues to adapt, there are promising opportunities for current and prospective controllers in this thriving region.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,971 | $42.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,447 | $53.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,400 | $73.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,352 | $94.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,946 | $113.91 |
Median Salary Position
1.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilbert
In Gilbert, AZ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,975 (2026 est.). At $153,400, the local median is 1% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilbert: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilbert Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Gilbert median: $153,400/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilbert Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $149,658 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.00% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $153,400 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $149,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilbert has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilbert, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $153,400 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $155,736 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,216
2025 BLS Actual
$149,556
2026 Current Est.
$153,400
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,749 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilbert metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,216 (2019) to $149,556 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,126 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilbert 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $88,971 – $110,447 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,447 – $153,400 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,400 – $196,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,352 – $236,946 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Gilbert
The job market for air traffic controllers in Gilbert consists of 49 professionals, representing a robust sector within the local economy. With a cost of living index of 98.5, residents enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle that enhances their take-home purchasing power. Employers such as FAA en route centers often provide the highest salaries, driven by their operational demands and complexity. The pay disparity is influenced by various factors including facility type—en route Level 12, terminal Level 11, and tower Level 7—as well as certifications such as CPC status. Shift differentials, especially for night and holiday hours, play an essential role in overall earnings, while abundant overtime opportunities create significant earning potential. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller salary in Gilbert, pursuing advanced certifications and volunteering for overtime shifts can greatly improve overall compensation and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $149,556 for air traffic controllersin the Gilbert metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gilbert 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