Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cottage Grove, MN: $70.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cottage Grove, MN runs $70.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,656 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cottage Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, MN, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $70.99 in 2026, which reflects a slight underperformance compared to the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate opens opportunities for part-time work—such as three days a week—allowing controllers to manage a balanced schedule while still earning a respectable income. Workers in this field typically operate from distinct and dynamic environments like radar consoles in en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The pay scales range from $41.17 for entry-level positions to an impressive $97.63 for the top 10% of earners, illustrating a solid path for career advancement. It’s important to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the potential for steady remuneration in various roles within air traffic control.
About the Cottage Grove 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) | $41.17 | $329.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
| Median (P50) | $70.99 | $567.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.68 | $709.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.63 | $781.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottage Grove
Based on $70.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottage Grove, MN can expect to earn approximately $147,656 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,186. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottage Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottage Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,839.55 | $12,305 | $147,656 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,703.73 | $7,383 | $88,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,135.82 | $4,922 | $59,063 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cottage Grove) | $70.99 |
| 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 Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $147,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $149,600.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.99/hr = $88,594/year (purchasing power: $89,943).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,656/year (purchasing power: $149,905).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cottage Grove grew 20.4% from $57.48/hr (2019) to $69.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.81/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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
When considering part-time positions, a controller working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home a significant annual income, showcasing the earning potential compared to full-time roles. The per-diem structure, often utilized for temporary staffing, adds another layer of flexibility and compensation; controllers working agency jobs can negotiate rates that substantially exceed the base hourly pay. With many controllers often clocking 50 to 60 hours weekly due to chronic staffing shortages, effective overtime can catapult total compensation into higher brackets, sometimes surpassing $100,000 annually. The varied employer types in Cottage Grove, including the FAA and military operations, influence hourly pay and benefits, as some positions may prioritize stable health insurance over higher hourly rates. For those negotiating their contracts, understanding the nuances of these compensation packages and highlighting experience with multi-facility operations can enhance leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cottage Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Cottage Grove?
Are air traffic controllers in Cottage Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Cottage Grove?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Cottage Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove 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