Transportation & Logistics Billings, MT Pop. 117,116

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Billings, Montana

The median air traffic controller salary in Billings, MT is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 1.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$131,885
vs State Avg
+$1,374
vs National
$-5,495
Cost of Living
96%

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

Billings offers a median air traffic controller salary of $131,885, which is $1,374 above the Montana state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Billings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Billings's cost of living is 96% 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 Billings spans from $78,720 at the 10th percentile to $190,080 at the 90th percentile — a $111,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. With a population of 117,116, Billings is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Billings by Experience

In Billings, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Billings, MT

Percentile Billings
10th Percentile $78,720
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $131,885
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $190,080

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$157,987
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$140,128
Pop. 75,516
Helena, MT
$129,137
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$120,894
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Billings

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Billings

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Billings, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Billings

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Billings, MT? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Billings, Montana is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $78,720 (10th percentile) to $190,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Billings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,885, a air traffic controller in Billings earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Billings compare to the Montana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Billings's median air traffic controller salary of $131,885 is 1.1% above the Montana state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Billings, MT? ▼
Billings has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $131,885 in Billings 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 Billings? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Billings 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.