Air Traffic Controller Salary in Powell, WY: $137,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Powell, WY earns a median $137,912/year (≈ $66.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Powell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $143,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Powell, Wyoming, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $137,912 in 2026, which is approximately 9.20% lower than the national median of $151,886. Salaries for these professionals in the area range from $79,988 at the 10th percentile to $192,562 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility based on facility tier—en route, terminal, or tower operations. The figures provided are determined from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, ultimately fitting into a broader context of the local aviation employment landscape. Given the employment of only six controllers in Powell, the competition for roles may be limited, yet the potential for high earnings remains an enticing draw for qualified candidates.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,988 | $38.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,104 | $48.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,912 | $66.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,022 | $84.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,562 | $92.58 |
Median Salary Position
9.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Powell
In Powell, WY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,574 (2026 est.). At $137,912, the local median is 9.2% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Powell: You'd be above the median
How Powell Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Powell median: $137,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Powell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $149,255 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.20% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Powell, WY earn a median of $137,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.60% below the Wyoming state average of $149,255.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Powell has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Powell, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $137,912 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,958 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,674
2025 BLS Actual
$134,456
2026 Current Est.
$137,912
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,456 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,456 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Powell metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,674 (2019) to $134,456 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,782 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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) | $79,988 – $101,104 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,104 – $137,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,912 – $175,022 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,022 – $192,562 |
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 Powell
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Powell presents some interesting dynamics and opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 95.8, the purchasing power of salaries is noticeably enhanced, making the position more attractive despite a lower pay scale compared to national averages. Controllers here can seek employment at various FAA facilities, with en route centers typically offering the highest compensation, followed closely by terminal and tower facilities. The pay differences are influenced by several factors, including facility level, certification status, and additional compensation methods like shift differentials and overtime. Controllers aiming to maximize their compensation should consider the availability of overtime, which is often abundant due to persistent staff shortages, as well as potentially pursuing positions in higher-tier en route facilities, where total compensation can significantly exceed base salaries.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Powell, WY in 2026?
Is Powell, WY a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Powell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Powell?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Powell?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 $134,456 for air traffic controllersin the Powell 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 Powell 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