Des Moines vs Fort Dodge: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Des Moines, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,621▲ | $121,927 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.69▲ | $58.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,240▲ | $70,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,368▲ | $88,396 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,875▲ | $153,897 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,763▲ | $164,265 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Fort Dodge is $14,694 (12.05%). Des Moines's median is -10.05% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $132,523,Fort Dodge spans $93,547. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($151,129 effective) pays 12.05% more than Fort Dodge ($134,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,763)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,129)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Des Moines grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$119,017 (2024) → $133,198 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$106,215 (2024) → $118,872 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Des Moines or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Fort Dodge as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Des Moines vs Fort Dodge?
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