Detroit vs Traverse City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $182,893▲ | $133,964 |
| Hourly Rate | $87.93▲ | $64.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,785▲ | $77,699 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,304▲ | $96,454 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,868▲ | $166,110 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,849▲ | $180,099 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Detroit and Traverse City is $48,929 (36.52%). Detroit's median is +20.41% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $117,064,Traverse City spans $102,400. Detroit 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, Detroit ($182,350 effective) pays 26.86% more than Traverse City ($143,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($182,893/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,849)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $182,350)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Detroit grew 16.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$152,740 (2022) → $178,310 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$116,424 (2024) → $130,607 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Detroit or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Traverse City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Detroit vs Traverse City?
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