Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Eden Prairie, MN: $72.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Eden Prairie, MN runs $72.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Eden Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the air traffic controller hourly pay reflects a median rate of $72.80, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly wage is significant for those pursuing part-time opportunities, allowing controllers who work three days a week to effectively enhance their income while balancing other commitments. In the demanding settings of en route centers, airport traffic control towers, and TRACON facilities, controllers operate under high-pressure conditions, often seated at radar consoles or overseeing traffic through expansive windows. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in this region stretches from $42.23 for entry-level positions to $103.71 for top earners, offering various paths for career advancement based on experience and facility type. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, reveal that even on a per-diem basis, compensation remains robust for air traffic controllers in this area, emphasizing the lucrative nature of this profession.
About the Eden Prairie 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) | $42.23 | $337.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.42 | $419.39 |
| Median (P50) | $72.80 | $582.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.81 | $742.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.71 | $829.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eden Prairie
Based on $72.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eden Prairie, MN can expect to earn approximately $151,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,365. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eden Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eden Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,912.17 | $12,619 | $151,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,747.30 | $7,572 | $90,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,164.87 | $5,048 | $60,573 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Eden Prairie) | $72.80 |
| 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 Eden Prairie, MN earn a median of $151,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the Minnesota state average of $149,640.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.80/hr = $90,860/year (purchasing power: $92,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,433/year (purchasing power: $153,739).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Eden Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Eden Prairie grew 20.4% from $58.95/hr (2019) to $70.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.68/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 Eden Prairie 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 Eden Prairie
Understanding the financial dynamics of the air traffic controller role provides insight into potential earnings and compensation structures. For those who secure part-time positions, working approximately 24 hours per week can lead to significant annual earnings, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. With the possibility of overtime, controllers often see their hourly compensation rise significantly above base rates, particularly in facilities experiencing chronic understaffing. Controllers may find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, resulting in overtime pay that can add $50,000-$100,000 to their annual income. Pay rates can also differ based on the type of employer; FAA en route centers and military positions typically offer higher hourly wages compared to contract towers. Importantly, the trade-off often comes down to benefits versus pay; some controllers may prefer a slightly lower hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance coverage. To effectively negotiate hourly pay in Eden Prairie, aspiring controllers should familiarize themselves with employer types and leverage their unique qualifications, whether they’re from the CTI program or pursuing hiring pathways as military-trained professionals.
More salary data for Eden Prairie, 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 Eden Prairie. 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 Eden Prairie 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