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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Operator in Colorado is $51,002 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, an Air Traffic Control Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Air Traffic Control Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,073 | $5,006 | $1,155 | $29 |
| Average | $51,002 | $4,250 | $981 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,423 | $3,619 | $835 | $21 |
Robinson Aviation - Watkins, CO
Robinson Aviation - Loveland, CO
Robinson Aviation - Grand Junction, CO
Robinson Aviation - Gypsum, CO
An Air Traffic Control Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traff... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $50,335 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $55,478 |
| Traffic C... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $69,473 |
| Traffic S... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $84,251 |
| Traffic M... Level Air Traffic Control Operator | $108,959 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Air Traffic Control Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Air Traffic Control Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $61,202 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,202 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $61,202 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $58,652 | $28.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $58,652 | $28.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,073 | $5,006 | $1,155 | $29 |
| Average | $51,002 | $4,250 | $981 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,423 | $3,619 | $835 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Air Traffic Control Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
US Government Jobs
Denver, CO
US Government Jobs | Denver, CO
Air Traffic Manager. Serves as an air traffic manager of a terminal or en route facility and is responsible for planning and directing all activities at th... more
6 Days Ago
Federal Aviation Administration
Denver, CO
Federal Aviation Administration | Denver, CO
Duties. Directs a highly technical workforce, including functionally integrated teams of operational and support personnel, that provides air traffic contr... more
7 Days Ago
Aims Community College
Windsor, CO
Aims Community College | Windsor, CO
Aims Community College Job Posting. Aims Community College actively supports an environment that embraces the College's Mission, Vision, Values and a cultu... more
5 Days Ago
Science Applications International
Denver, CO
Science Applications International | Denver, CO
Job Description. Description. ATTN FERS RETIREES. Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervi... more
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Science Applications International
Englewood, CO
Science Applications International | Englewood, CO
Job Description. Description. ATTN FERS RETIREES. Earnings received as an ATC Instructor, ATC Training Instructional Supervisor, or Contractor Site Supervi... more
9 Days Ago
US Government Jobs
Denver, CO
US Government Jobs | Denver, CO
Operations Supervisor. Serves as an Operations Supervisor in a terminal facility, responsible for planning and directing operations within delegated areas ... more
5 Days Ago
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