Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chanhassen, MN: $70.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chanhassen, MN runs $70.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chanhassen's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,133 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chanhassen, Minnesota, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller stands at $70.62, slightly below the national median of $73.02 for 2026. This rate will significantly impact part-time controllers who might work three days a week. Given the demanding environments they operate in—whether it’s in the radar consoles of en route centers or the busy control towers—the hourly rate correlates strongly with the job responsibilities. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $40.96 per hour, while the top earners, reflecting years of experience and possibly overtime, could see rates as high as $98.89. It’s important to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the strong earning potential in a field that remains critical to air traffic management in Minnesota.
About the Chanhassen Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.96 | $327.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.84 | $406.75 |
| Median (P50) | $70.62 | $564.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.30 | $714.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.89 | $791.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chanhassen
Based on $70.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chanhassen, MN can expect to earn approximately $146,888 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,743. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chanhassen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chanhassen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,824.78 | $12,241 | $146,888 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,694.87 | $7,344 | $88,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,129.91 | $4,896 | $58,755 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chanhassen) | $70.62 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chanhassen, MN earn a median of $146,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Minnesota state average of $149,582.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.62/hr = $88,133/year (purchasing power: $89,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,888/year (purchasing power: $149,125).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chanhassen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chanhassen grew 20.4% from $57.18/hr (2019) to $68.85/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.43/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chanhassen 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Chanhassen
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals a compelling picture for air traffic controllers in Chanhassen. Those working part-time at an average of 24 hours per week could take home around $84,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts who might earn in excess of $146,889 yearly. The reality of per diem air traffic controller pay in Chanhassen often includes opportunities for significant overtime, with many controllers working 50-60 hours per week, resulting in compensation that can exceed base pay substantially. Various employers, including FAA en route centers and military control towers, offer different pay scales that can affect hourly earnings. While some may choose roles with slightly lower hourly rates for the benefits—like health insurance—over more lucrative contract positions, it ultimately comes down to personal circumstances. Negotiating rates can also hinge on skill sets and experience levels, making it essential for controllers to be aware of their market value in the ever-evolving air traffic control profession.
More salary data for Chanhassen, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Chanhassen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chanhassen 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