Air Traffic Controller Salary in Eagle, ID: $143,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Eagle, ID earns a median $143,092/year (≈ $68.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Eagle's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $150,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Eagle, ID, the forecast for air traffic controller compensation in 2026 paints a promising picture, with the median annual salary projected at $143,092. This figure reflects a competitive salary range spanning from $82,993 at the 10th percentile to $200,732 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as experience, facility level, and shift differentials. As the local job market currently employs nine air traffic controllers, aspiring professionals should consider the development timeline to full pay, which can take one to three years based on certification and experience in this critical field.
About the Eagle Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,993 | $39.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,031 | $49.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,092 | $68.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,158 | $87.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,732 | $96.51 |
Median Salary Position
5.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eagle
In Eagle, ID, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,739 (2026 est.). At $143,092, the local median is 5.79% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Eagle: You'd be above the median
How Eagle Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Eagle median: $143,092/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Eagle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $150,307 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.79% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Eagle, ID earn a median of $143,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.79% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.80% below the Idaho state average of $150,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Eagle has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Eagle, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $143,092 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,149 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,870
2025 BLS Actual
$139,507
2026 Current Est.
$143,092
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Eagle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,426 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Eagle metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,870 (2019) to $139,507 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,900 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eagle 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) | $82,993 – $103,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,031 – $143,092 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,092 – $181,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,158 – $200,732 |
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 Eagle
The cost of living in Eagle, with an index of 95.3, offers controllers a favorable environment for maximizing purchasing power compared to many other regions. Among the local employers, the FAA's en route centers generally command the highest salaries. Pay discrepancies stem from several factors, including the facility's level designation—where en route facilities typically offer higher pay than terminal or tower positions—and the controller's CPC certification status. Additionally, controllers can enhance their earnings through overtime, shift differentials, and other supplemental compensation options, making it crucial to strategically navigate these avenues. Given the unique staffing demands and mandatory age 56 retirement that influences turnover, the air traffic controller pay in Eagle ID is increasingly attractive for those looking to enter this rewarding industry.
More salary data for Eagle, ID:
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 $139,507 for air traffic controllersin the Eagle 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 Eagle 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