Transportation & Logistics Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median air traffic controller salary in Missoula, MT is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
+$9,617
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $9,617 above the Montana state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$157,987
Pop. 53,293
Billings, MT
$131,885
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$129,137
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$120,894
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Missoula

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Missoula

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Missoula, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Missoula

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Missoula, Montana is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Missoula earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Missoula's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Missoula 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 Missoula? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Missoula 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.