Dickinson vs Grand Forks: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Dickinson, ND and Grand Forks, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Grand Forks, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,888 | $136,672▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.89 | $65.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,075 | $79,270▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,679 | $98,405▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,621 | $174,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,872 | $193,303▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Grand Forks is $3,784 (2.85%). Grand Forks's median is -10.02% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $115,797,Grand Forks spans $114,033. Dickinson 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, Grand Forks ($148,557 effective) pays 2.85% more than Dickinson ($144,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,672/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,303)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,557)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Dickinson grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Grand Forks over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$115,146 (2024) → $129,558 (2025)
Grand Forks, ND
$118,424 (2024) → $133,248 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Dickinson or Grand Forks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Grand Forks?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Grand Forks as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Dickinson vs Grand Forks?
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