Transportation & Logistics Mesa, AZ Pop. 504,258

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mesa, Arizona

The median air traffic controller salary in Mesa, AZ is $133,259 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 0.0% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$133,259
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,121
Cost of Living
97%

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

Mesa offers a median air traffic controller salary of $133,259, which is $0 above the Arizona state average of $133,259. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Mesa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Mesa's cost of living is 97% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Mesa spans from $79,540 at the 10th percentile to $192,060 at the 90th percentile — a $112,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,450, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,300. As a major metro area with a population of 504,258, Mesa typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mesa by Experience

In Mesa, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $82,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,450
$-2,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,300
$-5,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mesa, AZ

Percentile Mesa
10th Percentile $79,540
25th Percentile $104,760
Median (50th) $133,259
75th Percentile $169,750
90th Percentile $192,060

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$153,866
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$140,128
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$137,380
Pop. 1,608,139
Tucson, AZ
$127,763
Pop. 542,629

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Mesa

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Mesa

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Mesa, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mesa

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Mesa, AZ? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Mesa, Arizona is $133,259 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $79,540 (10th percentile) to $192,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Mesa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,259, a air traffic controller in Mesa earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mesa compare to the Arizona state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Mesa's median air traffic controller salary of $133,259 is 0.0% above the Arizona state average of $133,259. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mesa, AZ? ▼
Mesa has a cost of living index of 97% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $133,259 in Mesa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Mesa? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Mesa 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.