Transportation & Logistics Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Helena, Montana

The median air traffic controller salary in Helena, MT is $129,137 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$129,137
vs State Avg
$-1,374
vs National
$-8,243
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median air traffic controller salary of $129,137, which is $1,374 below the Montana state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $77,080 at the 10th percentile to $186,120 at the 90th percentile — a $109,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,900, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,600. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $79,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,900
$-5,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $77,080
25th Percentile $101,520
Median (50th) $129,137
75th Percentile $164,500
90th Percentile $186,120

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$157,987
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$140,128
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$131,885
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$120,894
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Helena

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Helena

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Helena

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Helena, Montana is $129,137 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $77,080 (10th percentile) to $186,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,137, a air traffic controller in Helena earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Helena's median air traffic controller salary of $129,137 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $129,137 in Helena 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 Helena? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Helena 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.