Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Flint, MI: $79,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Flint, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,927 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Flint's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,759 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,805) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Flint, Michigan, is currently a promising job market for new graduates eyeing careers as air traffic controllers. In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Flint is projected to be $79,927, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $137,805 for the position within the region. This gap represents a realistic expectation for newcomers, who can anticipate advancing from this entry-level pay to approximately $99,219 as their experience grows, potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years. Such a salary trajectory reflects the stability and upward mobility available to those beginning their careers in air traffic control.
About the Flint Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Flint
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 Flint
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Flint, MI typically start between $79,927 and $99,219 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,393 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,805 — 9.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Michigan of $38,000 represents just 47.54% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($79,927/year) in Flint. 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 Flint
- 1Research the Flint market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $79,927 to $99,219, 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 Flint, 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 Flint for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Flint'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 Flint is $124,393 ( 155.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,927, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,320.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,898
2025 BLS Actual
$77,924
2026 Current Est.
$79,927
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Flint (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,898 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,981 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Flint, MI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,898 in 2019 to $77,924 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,981. New graduates entering the Flint job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Flint 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 Flint
For recent graduates, pursuing a role in air traffic control means understanding the pathways available for entering this field in Flint. The FAA is the primary employer for aspiring controllers, often seeking candidates through College Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships and periodic public bid announcements for "off-the-street" hiring. New applicants must be under 31, unless they are veterans, and should be aware that credentials such as U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree, or relevant work experience are needed. Starting pay can be enhanced by completing the FAA Academy training, which is compensated during the program. Career growth expectations, particularly in the first two to three years, can be substantial given the ongoing demand for controllers, especially at top-tier en route facilities offering salaries that can escalate significantly with overtime and shift differentials. Understanding these employment dynamics and strategically positioning oneself within the system can set the foundation for a rewarding career in air traffic control in Flint, MI.
More salary data for Flint, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Flint in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Flint?
Is aviation school worth it in Flint?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Flint?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Michigan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Flint. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Flint 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