Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Clinton Township, MI: $84,891 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Clinton Township, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,891 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton Township's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,085 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Clinton Township, Michigan, can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $84,891 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, which ranges up to $213,517 for experienced controllers, suggesting that entry-level positions are quite a way from the overall median salary of $146,364 in the area. Over the course of their first few years, new controllers can anticipate gradual increases in pay, with the potential to reach about $105,382 as they gain experience and proficiency. Given the market dynamics in Clinton Township, where there are 21 air traffic controllers already employed, this may prove to be an opportune time for new graduates looking to establish their careers in this essential field.
About the Clinton Township Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton Township
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton Township
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Clinton Township, MI typically start between $84,891 and $105,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,626 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,364 — 3.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Michigan of $38,000 represents just 44.76% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,891/year) in Clinton Township. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Clinton Township
- 1Research the Clinton Township market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,891 to $105,382, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clinton Township, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Clinton Township for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton Township's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Clinton Township is $128,626 ( 151.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,891, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,517.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,115
2025 BLS Actual
$82,764
2026 Current Est.
$84,891
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Clinton Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,891 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,073 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton Township, MI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,115 in 2019 to $82,764 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,073. New graduates entering the Clinton Township job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton Township metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Clinton Township
Several employers, particularly the FAA, actively recruit newcomers in Clinton Township, specifically within the framework of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and periodic "off-the-street" job announcements. These recruitment processes require applicants to be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans, and all successful candidates must be U.S. citizens. Ideally, entry-level candidates should have a bachelor's degree or a combination of education and work experience, and need to pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City can significantly enhance their competencies and starting salaries in the state. New controllers should consider their career trajectory carefully; while starting salaries may be lower, there's potential for rapid salary growth to the upper tiers of the FG pay scale, especially in larger en route centers. With the ongoing challenge of staffing shortages due to previous budget cuts, early-career professionals may find ample opportunities for overtime and advancement, keeping long-term job security solid in the national air traffic control profession.
More salary data for Clinton Township, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Clinton Township in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Clinton Township?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Clinton Township. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton Township is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov