Transportation & Logistics Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median air traffic controller salary in Boulder, CO is $175,846 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$175,846
vs State Avg
+$31,597
vs National
+$38,466
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median air traffic controller salary of $175,846, which is $31,597 above the Colorado state average of $144,249. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $175,846 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Boulder spans from $104,960 at the 10th percentile to $253,440 at the 90th percentile — a $148,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,800
+$23,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$179,200
+$39,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $104,960
25th Percentile $138,240
Median (50th) $175,846
75th Percentile $224,000
90th Percentile $253,440

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$153,866
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$145,623
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$144,249
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$137,380
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Boulder

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Boulder

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boulder

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Boulder, Colorado is $175,846 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $104,960 (10th percentile) to $253,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $175,846, a air traffic controller in Boulder earns approximately $85 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Boulder's median air traffic controller salary of $175,846 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $144,249. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $175,846 in Boulder 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 Boulder? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Boulder 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.