Elk River vs St. Paul: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Elk River, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,577 | $182,437▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.47 | $87.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,014 | $105,813▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,340 | $131,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,814 | $233,519▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,673 | $282,777▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and St. Paul is $35,860 (24.46%). St. Paul's median is +20.11% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $128,659,St. Paul spans $176,964. St. Paul 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, St. Paul ($185,215 effective) pays 24.46% more than Elk River ($148,809 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($182,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($282,777)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $185,215)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Elk River grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$137,036 (2024) → $142,904 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$145,389 (2024) → $177,866 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Elk River or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Elk River to St. Paul as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Elk River vs St. Paul?
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