Minneapolis vs St. Cloud: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $184,288▲ | $148,508 |
| Hourly Rate | $88.60▲ | $71.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,780▲ | $86,134 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,116▲ | $109,049 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,207▲ | $189,089 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,705▲ | $220,617 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is $35,780 (24.09%). Minneapolis's median is +21.33% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $125,925,St. Cloud spans $134,483. St. Cloud 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, Minneapolis ($175,810 effective) pays 16.61% more than St. Cloud ($150,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($184,288/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,705)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $175,810)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Minneapolis grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$141,370 (2019) → $179,670 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$138,842 (2024) → $144,787 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Minneapolis or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Cloud as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Minneapolis vs St. Cloud?
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