Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Coon Rapids, MN: $69.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Coon Rapids, MN runs $69.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Coon Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $69.66 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $73.02. This figure provides a solid income for those working in both full-time and part-time capacities at various FAA facilities, including en route centers and airport control towers. For part-time workers committed to a three-day work schedule, the hourly pay translates into meaningful weekly earnings, while per-diem controllers enjoy flexible opportunities that align with their lifestyle choices. Entry-level air traffic controllers can anticipate starting salaries around $40.40 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale may earn as much as $102.61 per hour. It’s essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, offering a reliable framework for understanding the profession's compensation in the region.
About the Coon Rapids 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) | $40.40 | $323.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.15 | $401.17 |
| Median (P50) | $69.66 | $557.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.15 | $713.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.61 | $820.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coon Rapids
Based on $69.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coon Rapids, MN can expect to earn approximately $144,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,586. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coon Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coon Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,786.21 | $12,074 | $144,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,671.73 | $7,244 | $86,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,114.48 | $4,829 | $57,953 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Coon Rapids) | $69.66 |
| 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 Coon Rapids, MN earn a median of $144,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Minnesota state average of $149,672.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.66/hr = $86,930/year (purchasing power: $88,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,883/year (purchasing power: $147,089).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Coon Rapids grew 20.4% from $56.40/hr (2019) to $67.91/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.45/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 Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids
The dynamics of earning potential for air traffic controllers in Coon Rapids reveal interesting contrasts between part-time and full-time positions. A controller working part-time for three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could take home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. However, many controllers opt for per-diem opportunities within understaffed facilities, allowing for flexibility that can enhance their overall income through overtime. Commonly, controllers work beyond the standard hours, frequently logging 50 to 60 hours a week, which can result in effective hourly compensation that far exceeds the base pay, as overtime is compensated at a higher rate. Different employer types also influence overall pay. For instance, positions at FAA en route centers typically command higher pay compared to contract towers. While some controllers may choose positions offering lower hourly pay for the benefits, others negotiate compensation based on the absence of health coverage with agency positions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for aspiring air traffic controllers in Coon Rapids, MN, as they navigate their career options.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, 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 Coon Rapids. 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 Coon Rapids 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