Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lakewood, CO: $163,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lakewood, CO earns a median $163,208/year (≈ $78.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $155,436 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lakewood, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $163,208, reflecting a competitive pay structure compared to national averages. With salaries ranging from $94,661 at the 10th percentile to $243,788 at the 90th percentile, the compensation opportunities within this field offer significant potential for growth. These figures are based on state-level estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost trends. For those considering a career in air traffic control, Lakewood's job market appears promising, especially given the potential for rapid salary increases as controllers advance their certification status from developmental to fully certified professional controller (CPC) within one to three years.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,661 | $45.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,510 | $56.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,208 | $78.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $208,906 | $100.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $243,788 | $117.21 |
Median Salary Position
7.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,127 (2026 est.). At $163,208, the local median is 7.45% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $163,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,045 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +7.45% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $163,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $163,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,208 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,436 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,159
2025 BLS Actual
$159,119
2026 Current Est.
$163,208
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,142 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,516 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,119 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $132,159 (2019) to $159,119 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $167,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,244 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $94,661 – $117,510 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,510 – $163,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,208 – $208,906 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $208,906 – $243,788 |
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 Lakewood
With 27 air traffic controllers currently employed in the area, Lakewood's job market provides viable opportunities for aspiring professionals. The local cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 105, implying that while salaries are robust, the purchasing power may be moderated somewhat by expenses. Among various employers, FAA en route centers generally offer the highest compensation and benefits, making them attractive to controllers seeking to maximize earnings. Factors contributing to the salary disparity in Lakewood include the facility level—en route positions often outpace terminal and tower roles in pay—as well as CPC status, proximity to major airports, and overtime opportunities due to chronic staffing shortages. In this evolving landscape, controllers should focus on obtaining CPC certification promptly, seeking shifts with differential pay, and strategically using overtime hours to enhance their overall earnings while working in Lakewood, CO.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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
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 $159,119 for air traffic controllersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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