Transportation & Logistics Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Collins, CO is $145,623 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$145,623
vs State Avg
+$1,374
vs National
+$8,243
Cost of Living
106%

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

Fort Collins offers a median air traffic controller salary of $145,623, which is $1,374 above the Colorado state average of $144,249. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% 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 Fort Collins spans from $86,920 at the 10th percentile to $209,880 at the 90th percentile — a $122,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $90,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $201,400. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $90,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $201,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$90,100
+$5,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$201,400
+$11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $86,920
25th Percentile $114,480
Median (50th) $145,623
75th Percentile $185,500
90th Percentile $209,880

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$175,846
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$153,866
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$144,249
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$137,380
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $145,623 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $86,920 (10th percentile) to $209,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,623, a air traffic controller in Fort Collins earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median air traffic controller salary of $145,623 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $144,249. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $145,623 in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Fort Collins 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.