Transportation & Logistics Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median air traffic controller salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
+$6,869
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $6,869 above the Utah state average of $133,259. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City 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. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
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 Utah Cities

Provo, UT
$131,885
Pop. 115,162
West Jordan, UT
$131,885
Pop. 116,961
Orem, UT
$130,511
Pop. 97,499
West Valley City, UT
$129,137
Pop. 140,230

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Salt Lake City

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Salt Lake City

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Salt Lake City, UT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Salt Lake City, Utah 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 Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Salt Lake City earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $133,259. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Salt Lake City 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.