Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Great Falls, MT: $226,726 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $226,726/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $235,682 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, Montana, senior air traffic controllers can expect to see substantial earnings with a median annual salary projected at $151,397 for 2026. The top earners in this field may achieve remarkable compensation, with potential salaries reaching as high as $226,726, positioning them competitively against their national counterparts. The gap between the median and the highest earners reflects the experience premium prevalent in the air traffic control profession, where individuals with over seven years of experience are often sought after for their refined skills and capabilities. Attaining such elevated pay requires dedication to mastering the complexities of air traffic operations, continuous professional development, and often, specialization in high-demand areas.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $193,789 and $226,726 per year (2026 est.). This $138,916 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $151,397 sits 0.32% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $151,397 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,789 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $226,726 | $221,151 |
In Great Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 49.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $151,397 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $193,789–$226,726 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Great Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Great Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $226,726).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Great Falls ($226,726) is 2.99% above the Montana average P90 ($220,146).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,765
2025 BLS Actual
$221,045
2026 Current Est.
$226,726
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $189,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $194,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,726 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,553 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $180,765 in 2019 to $221,045 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $232,553 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Great Falls
Senior air traffic controllers in Great Falls can enhance their earning potential by pursuing specialized roles that command higher pay, such as en route or radar control, which represent the highest tier within the pay scale. Compensation varies significantly among employers, with FAA en route centers typically offering more robust packages than terminal or tower facilities. Career advancement often follows a structured path, leading controllers from developmental positions through various certification levels and eventually to ATC manager roles, each step bringing increased responsibilities and compensation. Additional credentials, such as those obtained through targeted FAA training, enhance appeal and secure positions with better financial compensation. For controllers operating in Great Falls, the combination of advanced certifications, sustained professional excellence, and strategic career choices largely defines their senior air traffic controller pay in MT, potentially strengthening their standings in response to the industry's ongoing demand and staffing challenges.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Great Falls?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Montana
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $221,045 for air traffic controllers in the Great Falls metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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