Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in St. Paul, MN: $105,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the St. Paul, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $105,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Paul's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $107,424 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($182,437) 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 St. Paul, Minnesota, can expect a starting salary around $105,813, significantly lower than the city median of $182,437. For early-career professionals, this indicates a notable gap that will need to be navigated as experience grows. Entry-level positions tend to offer a gradual salary increase, with realistic salary expectations for newcomers likely to progress to $131,355 by the 25th percentile and even reach toward the median as they acquire experience within their first few years. St. Paul represents a solid market for recent graduates, given that the area supports a robust transportation infrastructure and employs around 80 air traffic controllers, indicating potential opportunities for those starting their careers.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Paul
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. Paul
Entry-level air traffic controllers in St. Paul, MN typically start between $105,813 and $131,355 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $176,964 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $182,437 — 20.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Minnesota of $42,000 represents just 39.69% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($105,813/year) in St. Paul. 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. Paul
- 1Research the St. Paul market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $105,813 to $131,355, 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 St. Paul, 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. Paul for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Paul'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 St. Paul is $176,964 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $105,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $282,777.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$89,889
2025 BLS Actual
$103,162
2026 Current Est.
$105,813
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,716 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,228 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,326 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,533 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in St. Paul, MN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $89,889 in 2019 to $103,162 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $108,533. New graduates entering the St. Paul job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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. Paul
In terms of employment avenues, the FAA serves as a primary employer for new air traffic controllers in St. Paul and recruits through various means, including the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with select universities. New candidates, especially those under age 31, must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and complete additional training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, credentials such as a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience can enhance salary offers in this competitive environment. Once in the field, first-year controllers can expect salary growth as they complete facility-specific training and advance in their roles. Given the chronic understaffing in FAA facilities post-2013, opportunities for overtime pay are likely, allowing for total compensation to exceed initial salary expectations as controllers gain certification and build tenure.
More salary data for St. Paul, 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 St. Paul. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Paul 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