Transportation & Logistics Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median air traffic controller salary in Anchorage, AK is $173,099 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$173,099
vs State Avg
+$2,748
vs National
+$35,719
Cost of Living
126%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median air traffic controller salary of $173,099, which is $2,748 above the Alaska state average of $170,351. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $173,099 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Anchorage spans from $103,320 at the 10th percentile to $249,480 at the 90th percentile — a $146,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $107,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $239,400. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $107,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $239,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,100
+$22,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$176,400
+$36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$239,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $103,320
25th Percentile $136,080
Median (50th) $173,099
75th Percentile $220,500
90th Percentile $249,480

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$185,463
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$181,342
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$178,594
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$162,108
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Anchorage

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $173,099 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $103,320 (10th percentile) to $249,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $173,099, a air traffic controller in Anchorage earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Anchorage's median air traffic controller salary of $173,099 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $170,351. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $173,099 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Anchorage? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Anchorage require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.