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Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Anchorage, AK

Air Traffic Controllers in Anchorage, Alaska, command an impressive average annual salary of $146,340, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,220. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the unique operational demands and the critical nature of managing airspace in a geographically expansive and often challenging environment like Alaska.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $146,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $206,380.
  • Outlook: The Anchorage market for Air Traffic Controllers appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 280 professionals. Coupled with a Location Quotient of 10.91, this indicates a highly concentrated and specialized demand for these roles, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for skilled individuals in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$146,340

The average Air Traffic Controllers in Anchorage, AK earns+71.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$70.4

Weekly

$2,814

Monthly

$12,195

Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Anchorage, AK

Salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen in the percentile distribution, clearly signifies substantial career advancement and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$60,400$29
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$109,755$52.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$157,160$75.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$182,925$87.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$206,380$99.2

Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$146,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$146,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

Anchorage's Cost of Living Index stands precisely at the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary of $146,340 for Air Traffic Controllers holds considerable purchasing power. This indicates that the high average salary translates directly into a strong real income, allowing controllers to maintain a comparable or even superior standard of living compared to their counterparts in other regions with similar pay but higher living costs.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

1.585

Per 1K Jobs

10.91

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Anchorage, AK has 10.9x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 10.91, Anchorage exhibits a remarkably high concentration of Air Traffic Controllers relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only competitive but also specialized, with a significant demand for these professionals that far exceeds the national proportion. Such a high quotient indicates a critical need and potentially fewer available candidates compared to broader job markets.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Anchorage, AK?

The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Anchorage, AK is $146,340. This typically ranges from $60,400 for entry-level positions to $206,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Anchorage, AK is 71.7% higher than the national median of $85,220.

Is Anchorage, AK a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers?

Yes, Anchorage, AK is a highly lucrative location for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $146,340 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making earnings particularly valuable.

Is Anchorage, AK a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?

The Cost of Living Index in Anchorage, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of Air Traffic Controllers in Anchorage compare nationally?

With 280 local controllers and a Location Quotient of 10.91, Anchorage has a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, indicating specialized demand.

What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?

The 1.585 jobs per 1,000 workers metric shows that for every thousand workers in Anchorage, there are approximately 1.585 Air Traffic Controller positions, highlighting the prevalence of this role in the local economy.

Does experience impact an Air Traffic Controller's salary in Anchorage?

Absolutely. As with most specialized fields, experience is a key driver of salary, with senior Air Traffic Controllers earning considerably more than those in entry-level positions.

How does the cost of living affect the value of an Air Traffic Controller's salary in Anchorage?

Since Anchorage's cost of living is at the national average (100), the high average salary of $146,340 translates directly into strong purchasing power, making it a financially advantageous location.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Anchorage, AK area with a job density of 1.585 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Anchorage, AK