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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.32/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inver Grove Heights 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 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.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, 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 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).
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