Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Alaska
Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska earn a substantial average annual salary of $125,090, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,220. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique operational demands and logistical challenges inherent in managing air traffic across the vast and often remote landscapes of Alaska.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $184,950.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 500 Air Traffic Controllers and a Location Quotient of 10.77, Alaska demonstrates a highly concentrated demand for these professionals. This indicates that the role is significantly more prevalent in Alaska than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for skilled air traffic controllers in the state.
Salary Overview
The average Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska earns+46.8%above the national average.
$60.1
$2,406
$10,424
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for skilled aviation personnel and adjustments for inflation and cost of living.
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Alaska
Salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior controllers with extensive experience and specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range, reflecting their expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $60,400 | $29 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $93,818 | $45.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $120,370 | $57.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $156,363 | $75.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $184,950 | $88.9 |
Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,807
Adjusted for COL (126.6)
The average annual salary of $125,090 in Alaska must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 126.6. While the nominal salary is impressive, the higher cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to living in a region with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.564
Per 1K Jobs
10.77
Location Quotient
Alaska has 10.8x the national concentration of Air Traffic Controllers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Alaska's Location Quotient of 10.77 for Air Traffic Controllers signifies an exceptionally high concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may offer higher wages to attract and retain talent due to the unique operational environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Alaska?
The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska is $125,090. This typically ranges from $60,400 for entry-level positions to $184,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alaska is 46.8% higher than the national median of $85,220.
Is Alaska a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllerss?
Yes, Alaska is a highly lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $125,090 is substantially higher than the national average, and the extreme concentration of the role (LQ 10.77) indicates strong demand.
Is Alaska a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?
The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Alaska's cost of living affect Air Traffic Controller salaries?
Alaska's Cost of Living Index is 126.6, meaning goods and services are about 26.6% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living contributes to the elevated salaries offered to Air Traffic Controllers to ensure competitive compensation.
What does the Location Quotient of 10.77 mean for Air Traffic Controllers in Alaska?
A Location Quotient of 10.77 indicates that Air Traffic Controllers are over 10 times more concentrated in Alaska than in the average U.S. location. This points to a specialized job market with high demand relative to the national landscape.
How many Air Traffic Controllers work in Alaska?
There are approximately 500 Air Traffic Controllers employed within Alaska, representing a significant portion of the state's specialized workforce in aviation management.
Are Air Traffic Controller jobs common in Alaska?
Yes, with 1.564 jobs per 1,000 workers, Air Traffic Controller positions are more common in Alaska than the national average, reflecting the state's critical role in air transportation and logistics.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 1.564 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska