Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $70.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Elk River, MN runs $70.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,941 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $70.47, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure suggests a competitive but slightly less lucrative environment for controllers in this area compared to the national average. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day workweek, this hourly wage translates to significant earnings, allowing them to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in a city with a cost of living index of 98.5. Controllers can expect to earn between $40.87 at the entry level to as much as $102.72 per hour at the top of their profession. The hourly rates here are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the work settings typical for this field, which include en route centers and airport traffic control towers, enhancing the atmosphere of high responsibility they operate in.
About the Elk River 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) | $40.87 | $326.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.60 | $412.82 |
| Median (P50) | $70.47 | $563.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.41 | $699.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.72 | $821.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $70.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $146,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,559. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,818.62 | $12,214 | $146,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,691.17 | $7,328 | $87,941 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,127.45 | $4,886 | $58,627 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Elk River) | $70.47 |
| 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 Elk River, MN earn a median of $146,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $149,568.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.47/hr = $87,941/year (purchasing power: $89,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,568/year (purchasing power: $148,800).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Elk River grew 20.4% from $57.06/hr (2019) to $68.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.28/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 Elk River 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 Elk River
Exploring the earnings potential further, a part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could earn a robust amount over time, vastly different from someone working full-time. The flexibility of part-time hours appeals to many, but it’s essential to consider the variation in per diem air traffic controller pay in Elk River, especially for those accepting agency or locum assignments. Many experienced controllers find that overtime significantly boosts their overall compensation; it’s not uncommon for controllers to surpass standard earnings by working upwards of 50-60 hours weekly, gaining substantial overtime pay. Different employers in Elk River, including FAA en route centers and contract towers, can offer varied rates, which makes negotiation key. While some may opt for jobs with lower hourly rates that provide comprehensive benefits, others may choose facilities that offer higher pay without benefits. Each controller’s choice will reflect their financial needs and career goals in the context of the overarching FAA pay structure.
More salary data for Elk River, 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 Elk River. 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 Elk River 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