Air Traffic Controller Salary in Great Falls, Montana
The median air traffic controller salary in Great Falls, MT is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.
Air Traffic Controller Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)
Great Falls offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $9,617 below the Montana state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for air traffic controllers in Great Falls spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Great Falls by Experience
In Great Falls, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT
| Percentile | Great Falls |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $120,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,240 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Montana Cities
How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Great Falls
Education
Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Great Falls
Browse open air traffic controller positions in Great Falls, MT: