Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mankato, MN: $69.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mankato, MN runs $69.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,848 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mankato's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $69.16 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Mankato, Minnesota, earn slightly less than the national median of $73.02. This hourly figure suggests competitive compensation, especially when considering the demands of the job across various settings. Air traffic controllers often work in en route centers at radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, and control tower cabs offering panoramic views of airport operations. Those in part-time roles, perhaps working three days a week, can anticipate a stable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for controllers in Mankato spans from $40.12 for entry-level positions up to $100.74 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and responsibilities found within the profession.
About the Mankato 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) | $40.12 | $320.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.60 | $404.78 |
| Median (P50) | $69.16 | $553.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.74 | $685.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.74 | $805.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mankato
Based on $69.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mankato, MN can expect to earn approximately $143,859 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,996. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mankato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mankato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,766.52 | $11,988 | $143,859 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,659.91 | $7,193 | $86,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,106.61 | $4,795 | $57,544 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mankato) | $69.16 |
| 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 Mankato, MN earn a median of $143,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $149,530.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.16/hr = $86,315/year (purchasing power: $87,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,859/year (purchasing power: $146,050).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mankato grew 20.4% from $56.00/hr (2019) to $67.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.94/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 Mankato 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 Mankato
Evaluating the financial dynamics, part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week will earn notably less than their full-time counterparts, sacrificing stability in exchange for flexibility. For those who qualify for per diem positions, often due to locum roles or facility training, compensation becomes even more variable. Controllers frequently engage in overtime, which can elevate their effective hourly rates significantly beyond the base, especially in understaffed facilities where taking on additional shifts is common practice. Various employer types such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, control towers, and military air traffic control present different hourly compensation structures in Mankato. Some controllers might settle for a lower hourly rate for the benefits that come with federal employment, while others may opt for higher pay without benefits in contractual or less secure positions. Negotiation plays an important role in this field; thus understanding the specific demands and trade-offs of each role is crucial for maximizing earnings.
More salary data for Mankato, 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 Mankato. 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 Mankato 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