Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $79,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,270 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,163 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,672) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those looking to start their careers as air traffic controllers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the entry-level pay in 2026 is projected at approximately $79,270. This starting figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $136,672, highlighting a considerable gap that new graduates will need to navigate in their early years. However, as they gain experience and skills, there is an upward trajectory with opportunities to move from the P10 range ($79,270) to P25 ($98,405), eventually reaching the median as they establish themselves in the role. With a projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, Grand Forks presents a relatively promising market for new air traffic controller graduates eager to build a rewarding career in this field.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $79,270 and $98,405 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,033 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,672 — 10.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in North Dakota of $30,000 represents just 37.85% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($79,270/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $79,270 to $98,405, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $114,033 ( 143.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,270, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,303.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,340
2025 BLS Actual
$77,284
2026 Current Est.
$79,270
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,839 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,284 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,307 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,340 in 2019 to $77,284 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,307. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, the primary employers for novice air traffic controllers include the FAA, which frequently holds recruitment through public bid windows and partnerships with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. New hires must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being under 31 years of age unless they are military veterans. The pathway to securing a position involves achieving U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training lasting one to three years before full certification. Given that air traffic controllers are federal employees categorized under the FG pay scale, starting positions might seem limited in financial rewards but provide a solid foundation for growth, especially in high-demand en route facilities where salaries can significantly increase. With a backdrop of chronic understaffing in the industry, there are likely to be ample opportunities for overtime in the first few years, which can bolster earnings considerably as new hires aim for long-term success in their careers.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Grand Forks in 2026?
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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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Forks 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