Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brighton, CO: $155,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Brighton, CO earns a median $155,454/year (≈ $74.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $148,051 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median air traffic controller salary in Brighton, CO, is projected to be $155,454, slightly above the national figure of $151,886. This role typically offers a salary range from $90,163 at the lower end (P10) to a high of $223,863 (P90) for more experienced controllers. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional economic conditions, highlighting Brighton’s competitive edge within the broader job market. Controllers who pursue their CPC certification can expect a trajectory toward higher earnings within a 1 to 3 year timeframe, particularly as they navigate the complexities of developmental pay structures. Given the area's job market, prospective air traffic controllers may find Brighton an appealing destination for their careers.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,163 | $43.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,113 | $53.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,454 | $74.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,982 | $95.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,863 | $107.63 |
Median Salary Position
2.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,700 (2026 est.). At $155,454, the local median is 2.35% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Brighton median: $155,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,121 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.35% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Brighton, CO earn a median of $155,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $163,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,454 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,051 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,880
2025 BLS Actual
$151,559
2026 Current Est.
$155,454
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,127 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,880 (2019) to $151,559 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,569 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $90,163 – $112,113 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,113 – $155,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,454 – $198,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,982 – $223,863 |
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 Brighton
Brighton’s job market for air traffic controllers presently accommodates around seven professionals, reflecting a stable employment dynamic despite the competition. With a cost-of-living index of 105, the economic environment suggests that while salaries are attractive, purchasing power may be marginally impacted compared to lower-cost areas. The highest paying employers in the region are typically the FAA en route centers, which manage large volumes of high-altitude traffic, offering greater pay scales that often exceed those of terminal facilities and control towers. Factors contributing to the variance in compensation include the level of facility—where en route positions often command higher salaries—and additional elements such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the potential for abundant overtime, especially given the FAA's ongoing challenges with staffing. Maximizing earnings in Brighton could involve seeking positions at these high-tier facilities and actively pursuing overtime and shift opportunities to enhance overall take-home pay.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Brighton, CO in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Brighton?
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Related Pages
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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 $151,559 for air traffic controllersin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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