Air Traffic Controller.
Denver.
$135,000
median salary, 5% above the national average
$97,000 to $182,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Air Traffic Controller pay in Denver ranges from $97,000 to $182,000 in 2026. The median is $135,000, 5% above the national average. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $121,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$88,000
to $108,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$115,000
to $142,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$149,000
to $176,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$169,000
to $209,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $28,000 to the total package.
Base
$135,000
Equity
$15,000
Bonus
$10,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $163,000
How Denver compares
Denver, CO
$135,000
Cost of living: 8% above average
National Average
$128,000
Denver is $7,000 above
Air Traffic Controller salary by city
Salary by role in Denver
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Air Traffic Controller roles in Denver, here is what you are walking into. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. The city attracts remote workers and relocating companies seeking lower costs than the coasts. Salaries have climbed steadily as national employers open satellite offices and compete for Denver's growing talent pool. Facility level is the dominant factor, with controllers at high-traffic terminals and en-route centers earning significantly more than those at smaller towers. Geographic locality pay adjustments and overtime availability also create meaningful variance across positions.
Trainees at the FAA Academy earn $40,000 to $55,000. Certified professional controllers at lower-level facilities make $92,000 to $110,000. Moving to a high-level facility pushes pay to $140,000 to $172,000, with supervisory roles reaching $180,000 or more. In Denver, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Federal controllers receive FERS retirement, Thrift Savings Plan matching up to 5%, and locality-adjusted pay. Premium pay for night shifts, holidays, and overtime can add 10 to 25% above base salary. And on the tax side: colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Denver has no additional city income tax, making the overall tax burden lighter than most coastal metros. When someone quotes you $135,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers. The range for Air Traffic Controllers in Denver runs from $97,000 to $182,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI/ML Data Analyst in Denver earns $136,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Denver is Chief AI Officer at $348,000
Common questions.
Air Traffic Controller salary in other cities
Other salaries in Denver
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