Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Jordan, UT: $212,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in South Jordan, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $212,032/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back South Jordan's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,139 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For air traffic controllers with substantial experience in South Jordan, Utah, the earning potential is considerable. The median annual salary is projected to reach $149,982 in 2026, but the real allure lies in the upper echelons of the pay scale. Those who excel can look forward to a remarkable salary of $212,032 at the 90th percentile (P90) and $190,332 at the 75th percentile (P75). This significant gap between the median and top-tier income emphasizes the premium placed on seasoned professionals in this field. Achieving these high salaries requires a robust combination of experience, specialized training, and often, advancements into roles like Traffic Management Coordinator or ATC instructor, where proven skills in handling complex airspace operations become crucial.
About the South Jordan Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Jordan
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in South Jordan earn between $190,332 and $212,032 per year (2026 est.). This $125,042 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Jordan median of $149,982 sits 1.25% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | South Jordan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $149,982 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,332 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $212,032 | $221,151 |
In South Jordan, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in South Jordan
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $149,982 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Jordan employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in South Jordan command premium compensation, often reaching the $190,332–$212,032 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Jordan 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 South Jordan 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 Utah 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 South Jordan
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Jordan ranks #14 of 41 Utah cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $212,032).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in South Jordan ($212,032) is 3.53% above the Utah average P90 ($204,798).
2019 BLS Actual
$169,049
2025 BLS Actual
$206,719
2026 Current Est.
$212,032
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Jordan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $169,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $177,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $181,973 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,702 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $206,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $212,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $217,481 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in South Jordan saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $169,049 in 2019 to $206,719 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 $217,481 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Jordan 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 South Jordan
When analyzing the senior air traffic controller pay dynamics in South Jordan, it’s essential to consider the various specializations that drive compensation. Controllers who focus on en route and radar operations typically command the highest salaries, with additional benefits accruing to those working in military ATC or as traffic management coordinators. The nature of employment can significantly influence pay rates; for example, FAA en route centers often provide more lucrative compensation compared to FAA contract towers or smaller facilities. Pathways for advancement also remain clear, allowing controllers to move from roles such as Developmental Controller to certified positions and eventually into management. Moreover, senior controllers may benefit from various non-salary compensation methods like shift differentials and considerable overtime, owing to the ongoing staffing challenges faced by the FAA, where chronic understaffing leads to a heavy reliance on mandatory overtime. Using advanced credentials and specialized training elevates one’s status within the industry, paving the way for a more lucrative career in air traffic control within the competitive environment of South Jordan, UT.
More salary data for South Jordan, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in South Jordan in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in South Jordan?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in South Jordan?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in South Jordan?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in South Jordan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $206,719 for air traffic controllers in the South Jordan 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 South Jordan 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