Colorado Median
$177,380
per year
Hourly Rate
$85.28
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+20% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#4 of 43
740 employed here
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Colorado?
Air Traffic Controllers in Colorado take home a median of $177,380 annually — roughly $85.28 an hour — which runs 20% above the national median of $148,080.
Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $76,310 while the top 10% make $213,950 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $108,990 and $204,150 a year.
Air Traffic Controller salary range in Colorado
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,310 | $36.69 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $108,990 | $52.40 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $177,380 | $85.28 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $204,150 | $98.15 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $213,950 | $102.86 |
|
How Colorado compares
Colorado ranks 4th out of 43 states and territories for Air Traffic Controller pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Air Traffic Controller salary in other states
Virginia $191,820Illinois $181,560Georgia $178,420Minnesota $176,840Texas $170,080Washington $162,570California $160,080Kansas $159,700Indiana $158,810Hawaii $158,700Utah $158,310Tennessee $157,330New Mexico $148,550Florida $147,530New York $144,960Connecticut $140,940Nevada $140,920Arizona $136,800Pennsylvania $132,350New Jersey $132,230Maryland $131,290North Carolina $129,230Kentucky $127,800Rhode Island $126,300Massachusetts $125,060Alaska $123,950Oklahoma $123,220Missouri $122,200Michigan $118,930Alabama $114,960South Carolina $112,030Nebraska $111,710Arkansas $109,760Vermont $109,140North Dakota $107,990Maine $107,270Montana $101,380Louisiana $99,810Wyoming $93,580Iowa $90,790Mississippi $88,110District of Columbia $47,760
Working as an Air Traffic Controller in Colorado
Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($177,380) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Colorado?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Colorado is $177,380 per year, or about $85.28 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $76,310 at the entry level to $213,950 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Air Traffic Controllers about 20% more than the national median of $148,080. Colorado ranks 4th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $177,380 a year. About 740 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Air Traffic Controller salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.