Council Bluffs vs West Des Moines: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,275 | $129,801▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.68 | $62.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,399 | $75,284▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,358 | $93,457▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,192 | $166,146▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,910 | $188,777▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and West Des Moines is $1,526 (1.19%). West Des Moines's median is -14.54% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $109,511,West Des Moines spans $113,493. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($143,585 effective) pays 1.19% more than Council Bluffs ($141,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,801/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,777)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,585)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Council Bluffs grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$111,746 (2024) → $125,061 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$113,075 (2024) → $126,549 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Council Bluffs or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to West Des Moines as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Council Bluffs vs West Des Moines?
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