Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Evanston, WY: $185,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Evanston, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $185,538/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Evanston's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,672 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned air traffic controllers in Evanston, Wyoming, the top-tier earning potential is noteworthy. In 2026, the anticipated salary range for these experienced professionals spans from a median annual salary of $139,887 to an impressive P90 of $185,538. This competitive figure is particularly compelling when viewed in the context of the national market, where the median air traffic controller salary stands at $151,886, reflecting a slight 7.90% lower earning capability in Evanston. The difference between the median and top-tier pay highlights the sizeable experience premium; while the average salary is substantial, those who ascend toward senior roles can significantly enhance their income through continued professional development and specialization. Achieving this top air traffic controller salary in Evanston requires navigating both advanced certification and diverse experience in various ATC environments.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Evanston earn between $171,892 and $185,538 per year (2026 est.). This $100,909 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Evanston median of $139,887 sits 7.9% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Evanston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,887 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,892 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $185,538 | $221,151 |
In Evanston, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 32.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Evanston
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $139,887 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Evanston employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Evanston command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,892–$185,538 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Evanston 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 Evanston 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 Wyoming 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 Evanston
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEvanston ranks #13 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $185,538).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Evanston ($185,538) is 7.39% below the Wyoming average P90 ($200,348).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,926
2025 BLS Actual
$180,889
2026 Current Est.
$185,538
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $156,039 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,306 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Evanston saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $147,926 in 2019 to $180,889 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 $190,306 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
Senior air traffic controllers can substantially boost their earnings by focusing on specialized roles within the sector. In Evanston, the highest-paying positions typically align with expertise in en route and radar facilities (like ARTCCs), terminal radar (TRACON), tower operations, and military air traffic control. Each facility type offers distinct compensation dynamics influenced by operational complexity and local demand. For example, controllers at en route centers, which manage high-altitude air traffic, often surpass their terminal and tower counterparts not only in base salary but also in shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Career progression for experienced controllers may lead to roles such as traffic management coordinator or ATC manager, which further enhance earning potential. To command higher pay, controllers might also pursue advanced credentials like a bachelor's degree, relevant experience, and successfully completing intensive FAA training programs. Additionally, factors like facility level, CPC certification status, and locality pay can create significant variations in compensation among senior air traffic controller pay in WY, while regular opportunities for overtime and bonuses contribute to a robust overall compensation package.
More salary data for Evanston, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Evanston in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Evanston?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Evanston?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Evanston?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Evanston?
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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
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 $180,889 for air traffic controllers in the Evanston 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 Evanston 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