Controller Back Pay Estimator

The FAA and NATCA deal announced October 16, 2026 pays out the rest of the 3.8% raise Congress funded for 2026. You've had 1.0% since January, so your rate rises 2.77%, retroactive to January 11. Plug in two numbers from your pay stub to see roughly what's coming.

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How it works

  • Back pay covers the 20 pay periods from January 11 to October 17, 2026 (Pay Periods 3 through 22). Your new rate starts with Pay Period 23 on October 18.
  • The new rate is your current rate times 1.038 / 1.01, a 2.77% increase on top of the 1.0% you already received.
  • The estimate applies that 2.77% to your gross pay for those 20 periods: your year-to-date gross on the Oct 17 stub, minus the year-to-date gross on your Jan 10 stub. Overtime, night, Sunday and holiday premiums are based on your rate, so they're included.
  • Cash awards and other lump sums aren't based on your rate, so subtract them before entering your year-to-date gross.
  • If you leave the Jan 10 figure blank, it's estimated as two pay periods at your 2025 rate (your current salary divided by 1.01).
  • Results are gross, before taxes, TSP and other deductions. The after-tax figure is a rough guide only.

Putting your back pay to work?

If this gets you thinking about a down payment, a move-up home, or you're a CPC transfer to Northern Colorado looking for a home, we're happy to talk it through. 

As an air traffic controller at ZDV you'll save over 30% of agent fees if you're selling, and as a buyer you'll get 30% of the agent fee (paid by the seller) applied toward concessions that you can use for a rate buy-down.

 

Call 720-432-8695Email Matt

This is an unofficial estimate for planning purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA, DOT or NATCA, and your actual retroactive payment, timing and withholding will be determined by FAA payroll. Matt Starr, New Horizons Real Estate Team.