Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winona, MN: $82,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,233 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,485 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,781) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Winona, Minnesota, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be around $82,233 in 2026. While this initial salary is lower than the city's median annual pay of $141,781, it opens the door to substantial growth opportunities over the first few years. Entry-level professionals can realistically anticipate moving from the P10 wage to the P25 salary of approximately $102,083, which reflects the growth trajectory that could occur in this critical role. Given the current demand within the industry and the region’s cost of living index of 98.5, Winona presents a reasonable market for new controllers, enabling early-career professionals to establish themselves and advance effectively in their roles.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Winona, MN typically start between $82,233 and $102,083 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,361 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,781 — 6.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Minnesota of $42,000 represents just 51.07% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,233/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,233 to $102,083, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $115,361 ( 140.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,233, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,594.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,857
2025 BLS Actual
$80,173
2026 Current Est.
$82,233
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,857 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,347 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,857 in 2019 to $80,173 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,347. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Employers like the FAA typically seek fresh talent through various hiring pathways, particularly for entry-level positions in air traffic control. New graduates can apply under "off-the-street" hiring announcements, which usually require applicants to be under 31 unless they qualify as military veterans. Additionally, those who complete a Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program have a clear advantage during selection. Credentials such as a bachelor's degree or significant work experience, along with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), are essential for applicants. New hires will undergo Initial Qualification Training followed by facility-specific training, allowing them to progress from entry-level to fully Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). For those in their first few years at the FAA, salary growth can be significant, with many seeking placements at top-tier facilities that offer pay increases with experience. Career advancement can also be influenced by staffing shortages in the sector, which have often led to ample overtime possibilities and a steady path toward achieving total compensation far exceeding initial figures over time.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Winona in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Winona?
Is aviation school worth it in Winona?
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Related Pages
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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