Air Traffic Controller Salary in Longmont, CO: $160,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Longmont, CO earns a median $160,545/year (≈ $77.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Longmont's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $152,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Longmont, Colorado, can anticipate a median annual salary of $160,545 in 2026, indicating a promising financial outlook within this profession. The local salary range spans from $93,116 at the 10th percentile to $236,238 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diversity of pay that can be influenced by factors such as certification status and facility level. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parity adjustments, positioning Longmont's compensation above the national median of $151,886 by approximately 5.70%. With a development timeline of 1-3 years to attain full pay through CPC certification, individuals entering the air traffic control field can expect a lucrative career trajectory in this vibrant Colorado market.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,116 | $44.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,285 | $55.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,545 | $77.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,497 | $98.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,238 | $113.58 |
Median Salary Position
5.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longmont
In Longmont, CO, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,122 (2026 est.). At $160,545, the local median is 5.7% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Longmont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Longmont Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Longmont median: $160,545/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Longmont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $163,155 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.70% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Longmont, CO earn a median of $160,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.70% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% below the Colorado state average of $163,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Longmont has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Longmont, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,545 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,900 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,002
2025 BLS Actual
$156,522
2026 Current Est.
$160,545
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,002 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Longmont metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,002 (2019) to $156,522 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,669 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont 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) | $93,116 – $116,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,285 – $160,545 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,545 – $205,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,497 – $236,238 |
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 Longmont
In Longmont, the air traffic controller job market employs 15 professionals, highlighting a niche yet established presence in the local economy. The cost-of-living index stands at 105, slightly above the national average, which affects purchasing power for controllers in the area. Among the highest-paying employers are the FAA’s en route centers, which typically offer more competitive salaries than terminal or tower facilities. Pay variations arise from several factors, including facility type, CPC certification levels, and the accumulation of shift differentials and overtime, which can significantly boost earnings. To maximize compensation in Longmont, controllers may consider pursuing overtime opportunities and shifts at en route centers, as well as keeping abreast of local hiring trends within the FAA and other employing entities. Exploring roles at military and civilian contract towers could further enhance earning potential, especially for those willing to adapt to diverse operational environments.
More salary data for Longmont, 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 $156,522 for air traffic controllersin the Longmont 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 Longmont 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