Air Traffic Controller Salary

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $70.51 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Inver Grove Heights, MN runs $70.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Inver Grove Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,992 per year.

$146,658
Median Annual Salary
$70.51/hr
Hourly Rate
$85,061
Entry Level (P10)
$213,950
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Rate in Inver Grove Heights, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Inver Grove Heights, MN air traffic controller hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Inver Grove Heights offers an air traffic controller hourly pay of $70.51, falling slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate presents substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time controllers. For instance, a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week could expect to make approximately $61,800 annually, while the average hourly rate provides flexibility that suits many in this demanding profession. Hourly pay ranges significantly from $40.89 for entry-level positions to upwards of $102.86 for top earners, demonstrating a wide potential for income based on experience and skill level. Typical work environments vary from the enclosed control rooms of en route centers to the panoramic cabs of airport towers, all requiring proficiency and constant vigilance in managing air traffic flow. These factors make Inver Grove Heights a competitive choice for those pursuing a career in air traffic control.

About the Inver Grove Heights Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$40.89$327.16
Lower Range (P25)$50.76$406.10
Median (P50)$70.51$564.05
Upper Range (P75)$87.50$700.02
Top Earners (P90)$102.86$822.86

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inver Grove Heights

Based on $70.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a air traffic controller in Inver Grove Heights earning $70.51/hr would make approximately $84,608 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $146,654 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$84,608Reduced (32 hr/wk)$112,811Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$146,654

At $70.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inver Grove Heights, MN can expect to earn approximately $146,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,608. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inver Grove Heights.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$564.05
per 8hr shift
$2,820.26
per week
$12,221
per month
$146,654
per year

Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,820.26$12,221$146,654
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,692.16$7,333$87,992
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,128.11$4,888$58,662

Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Air Traffic Controller (Inver Grove Heights)$70.51
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing air traffic controller median salary in Inver Grove Heights ($146,658) with Minnesota average ($149,651) and the US national median ($151,886).Inver Grove Heights$146,658Minnesota Avg$149,651-2.00%US National$151,886-3.44%

Air Traffic Controllers in Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $146,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $149,651.

Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $70.51/hr = $87,992/year (purchasing power: $89,332).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,654/year (purchasing power: $148,887).

CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$57.09/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$68.74/hr

2026 Current Est.

$70.51/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+26.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Inver Grove Heights (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights. Baseline $57.09/hr in 2025, projected to $72.32/hr by 2027.$54$59$65$70$752019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.09$60.54$60.23$61.39$63.77$65.92$68.74$70.51$72.32
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$57.09/hrActual
2020$60.54/hrActual
2021$60.23/hrActual
2022$61.39/hrActual
2023$63.77/hrActual
2024$65.92/hrActual
2025$68.74/hrActual
2026(current)$70.51/hrEstimated
2027$72.32/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights grew 20.4% from $57.09/hr (2019) to $68.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.32/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inver Grove Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Inver Grove Heights

When examining the potential earnings of part-time air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights, even with a reduced weekly schedule, the possibility for overtime presents a lucrative opportunity. Controllers often find themselves working extended hours, with many clocking in at 50 to 60 hours a week, thus attracting additional compensation at time-and-a-half rates that can significantly boost their take-home pay. This can elevate annual figures well beyond base hourly expectations, enabling well-established controllers to supplement their earnings with per diem arrangements, especially during training transfers or specialized assignments. Moreover, the varied hourly rates across different employment types—FAA en route centers, TRACONs, airport control towers, and even military operations—create distinct financial prospects. While some may opt for FAA roles that offer medical benefits and stability, others may choose higher hourly wages without such support, weighing their long-term financial strategies. For controllers in Inver Grove Heights, understanding these nuances and negotiating effectively from a position of knowledge is key to maximizing their earnings in this competitive field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights is $70.51/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). Rates range from $40.89 at entry level (10th percentile) to $102.86 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.4% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Inver Grove Heights?

A part-time air traffic controller working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Inver Grove Heights earns approximately $7,333/month, or $87,992/year at the median hourly rate of $70.51. Many air traffic controllers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights paid hourly or salary?

The majority of air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights are paid hourly at a median rate of $70.51/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $146,654/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Inver Grove Heights?

A full-time air traffic controller working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Inver Grove Heights earns approximately $146,654/year at the median hourly rate of $70.51. This is 3.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $213,943/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Inver Grove Heights?

Part-time and per diem air traffic controllers in Inver Grove Heights sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $102.86/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 Inver Grove Heights. 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 Inver Grove Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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