Bloomington vs Rochester: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Bloomington, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $181,022▲ | $150,601 |
| Hourly Rate | $87.03▲ | $72.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,993▲ | $87,349 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,336▲ | $108,433 |
| 75th Percentile | $231,708▲ | $192,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $261,416▲ | $226,751 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rochester is $30,421 (20.20%). Bloomington's median is +19.18% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $156,423,Rochester spans $139,402. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($183,779 effective) pays 20.20% more than Rochester ($152,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($181,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($261,416)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,779)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Bloomington grew 29.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$136,018 (2024) → $176,486 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$140,800 (2024) → $146,828 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Bloomington or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Rochester as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Bloomington vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov