Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in St. Clair Shores, MI: $81,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the St. Clair Shores, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,618 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Clair Shores's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,720) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in St. Clair Shores, the starting air traffic controller salary stands at approximately $81,618 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $140,720. New graduates can expect their initial earnings to be modest, particularly when compared to the overall market; however, starting positions can pave the way for growth. Over the early years, entry-level controllers may see their salaries rise to around $101,319 at the 25th percentile, paving a path towards the median as they gain experience. This market currently presents a viable opportunity for aspiring air traffic controllers, as the competitive entry-level pay offers a foundation for a promising trajectory in this field.
About the St. Clair Shores Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Clair Shores
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 St. Clair Shores
Entry-level air traffic controllers in St. Clair Shores, MI typically start between $81,618 and $101,319 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,195 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,720 — 7.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Michigan of $38,000 represents just 46.56% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,618/year) in St. Clair Shores. 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 St. Clair Shores
- 1Research the St. Clair Shores market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,618 to $101,319, 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 St. Clair Shores, 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 St. Clair Shores for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Clair Shores'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 St. Clair Shores is $128,195 ( 157.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,618, experienced hygienists can earn up to $209,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,335
2025 BLS Actual
$79,573
2026 Current Est.
$81,618
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in St. Clair Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,573 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,716 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in St. Clair Shores, MI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,335 in 2019 to $79,573 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,716. New graduates entering the St. Clair Shores job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores
In St. Clair Shores, the FAA is the primary employer for new air traffic controllers, with hiring conducted through public job announcements and educational partnerships, particularly for graduates from Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs. Candidates must meet a few requirements, including US citizenship and applying before age 31 unless they are military veterans. Those entering this sector should be prepared to secure relevant credentials; this includes passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing training at the FAA Academy, which typically lasts between 3-5 months. During the first few years, controllers are classified under the FG pay scale, which can affect salary progression and job stability. Realistically, new hires may anticipate gradual salary increases, but understanding that the path leads into a heavily regulated environment with opportunities for further advancement is key. Given the factors of chronic understaffing and scheduled mandatory retirement at age 56, early career controllers may soon find themselves in high-demand positions where total compensation can significantly exceed initial pay as they advance professionally.
More salary data for St. Clair Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in St. Clair Shores in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in St. Clair Shores?
Is aviation school worth it in St. Clair Shores?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in St. Clair Shores?
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 St. Clair Shores. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Clair Shores 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