Transportation & Logistics Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median air traffic controller salary in Fairbanks, AK is $178,594 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$178,594
vs State Avg
+$8,243
vs National
+$41,214
Cost of Living
130%

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

Fairbanks offers a median air traffic controller salary of $178,594, which is $8,243 above the Alaska state average of $170,351. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fairbanks pays above average for this role.

However, Fairbanks's cost of living index is 130%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $178,594 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fairbanks spans from $106,600 at the 10th percentile to $257,400 at the 90th percentile — a $150,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $247,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $110,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $247,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,500
+$25,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$182,000
+$42,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$247,000
+$57,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $106,600
25th Percentile $140,400
Median (50th) $178,594
75th Percentile $227,500
90th Percentile $257,400

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$185,463
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$181,342
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$173,099
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$162,108
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fairbanks

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $178,594 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $106,600 (10th percentile) to $257,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $178,594, a air traffic controller in Fairbanks earns approximately $86 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median air traffic controller salary of $178,594 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $170,351. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
Fairbanks has a cost of living index of 130% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $178,594 in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Fairbanks 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.