Transportation & Logistics Reno, NV Pop. 264,165

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reno, Nevada

The median air traffic controller salary in Reno, NV is $142,875 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Nevada state average.

City Median
$142,875
vs State Avg
+$9,616
vs National
+$5,495
Cost of Living
104%

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

Reno offers a median air traffic controller salary of $142,875, which is $9,616 above the Nevada state average of $133,259. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Reno pays above average for this role.

Reno's cost of living is 104% 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 Reno spans from $85,280 at the 10th percentile to $205,920 at the 90th percentile — a $120,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,400, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,600. With a population of 264,165, Reno is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reno by Experience

In Reno, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $88,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,400
+$3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,600
+$7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reno, NV

Percentile Reno
10th Percentile $85,280
25th Percentile $112,320
Median (50th) $142,875
75th Percentile $182,000
90th Percentile $205,920

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Nevada Cities

Henderson, NV
$140,128
Pop. 320,189
Las Vegas, NV
$137,380
Pop. 641,903
Sparks, NV
$134,632
Pop. 108,445
North Las Vegas, NV
$130,511
Pop. 262,527

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Reno

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Reno

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Reno, NV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reno

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Reno, NV? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Reno, Nevada is $142,875 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $85,280 (10th percentile) to $205,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Reno? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,875, a air traffic controller in Reno earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reno compare to the Nevada state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Reno's median air traffic controller salary of $142,875 is 7.2% above the Nevada state average of $133,259. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reno, NV? ▼
Reno has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $142,875 in Reno 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 Reno? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Reno 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.