Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Savage, MN: $84,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Savage, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,708 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Savage's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,998 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,649) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Savage, MN is projected to be $84,708, which might seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $144,649. New graduates entering this challenging field can expect a significant growth trajectory in their earnings as they gain experience; within the first few years, they might see salaries rise to around $106,802 at the 25th percentile, eventually approaching the median as they strive for certification. The relatively strong salary range from $84,708 to $207,136 suggests that Savage offers a promising market for aspiring controllers, particularly for those willing to engage with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and recognize the growth potential within such competitive work environments.
About the Savage Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Savage
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 Savage
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Savage, MN typically start between $84,708 and $106,802 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,428 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,649 — 4.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Minnesota of $42,000 represents just 49.58% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,708/year) in Savage. 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 Savage
- 1Research the Savage market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,708 to $106,802, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Savage, 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 Savage for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Savage's moderate 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 Savage is $122,428 ( 144.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,708, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,136.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,960
2025 BLS Actual
$82,586
2026 Current Est.
$84,708
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,586 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,885 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Savage, MN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,960 in 2019 to $82,586 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,885. New graduates entering the Savage job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savage 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 Savage
Employers in Savage actively recruit entry-level air traffic controllers primarily through the FAA, which opens opportunities for applicants through public bid windows for new hires, especially targeting those under 31 years of age unless they are military veterans. Graduates from the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program also have a clear pathway to enter this profession. Gaining a foothold in this field typically requires US citizenship, a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience, and successful completion of the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Once hired, candidates undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training that can last one to three years. It's critical for new controllers to be aware that they are federal employees paid on the FG (Air Traffic Control) pay scale, distinct from the GS scale, with realistic salary growth in the range of $130,000 to $180,000+ as they progress to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. This trajectory is buoyed by the increasing demand for staffing at air traffic control facilities, particularly due to chronic shortages that have persisted since post-2013, leading to overtime opportunities that can significantly enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Savage, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Savage. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Savage 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