Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $76,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,998 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,972 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,756) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting air traffic controller salary in Sioux Falls, SD, for 2026 is projected at $76,998, significantly less than the median annual salary of $132,756 in the area. For new graduates looking to embark on a career in air traffic control, this initial figure is a realistic benchmark. While the gap between starting pay and the median is quite pronounced, there is potential for salary growth as one gains experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals may see their pay rise to around $95,585 as they progress toward the median, making Sioux Falls a viable market for new grads despite the initial disparity. Given the relatively low cost of living index at 92.8 compared to the national average, those entering the field could find it an attractive opportunity to establish their careers.
About the Sioux Falls Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux Falls
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 Sioux Falls
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $76,998 and $95,585 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,099 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,756 — 12.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in South Dakota of $28,000 represents just 36.36% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($76,998/year) in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $76,998 to $95,585, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls is $124,099 ( 161.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,998, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,097.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,410
2025 BLS Actual
$75,069
2026 Current Est.
$76,998
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,977 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,410 in 2019 to $75,069 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,977. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Employers in Sioux Falls recruiting new graduates primarily include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which conducts public bid hiring announcements for young candidates under 31, though military veterans have unique pathways available. The FAA also collaborates with universities through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, providing structured recruitment opportunities. To enhance starting pay in South Dakota, candidates should consider obtaining relevant certifications and additional training. Factors such as US citizenship, completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and initial FAA Academy training in Oklahoma City play crucial roles in preparing for a competitive entry into the field. As federal employees classified under the FG pay scale, air traffic controllers anticipate steady salary growth, with a career trajectory leading to elevated positions that can command upward of $200,000 when considering potential overtime.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sioux Falls 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