Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Northfield, MN: $68.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Northfield, MN runs $68.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Northfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northfield, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $68.67, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This pay indicates competitive earnings for part-time and per-diem workers in various air traffic control settings, such as radar consoles located in en route centers and TRACON facilities or within the bustling atmosphere of airport control towers. Those working part-time on a three-day-a-week schedule would find this hourly pay translates to a substantial income, while entry-level positions offering $39.83 may serve as a starting point for newcomers to the profession. The top tier of earners, on the other hand, could see hourly pay hitting $93.65, reflecting the opportunities available for advancement in a profession often impacted by demand and staffing levels.
About the Northfield 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) | $39.83 | $318.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.45 | $395.59 |
| Median (P50) | $68.67 | $549.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.77 | $686.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.65 | $749.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northfield
Based on $68.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.67/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northfield, MN can expect to earn approximately $142,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,405. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,746.82 | $11,903 | $142,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,648.09 | $7,142 | $85,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,098.73 | $4,761 | $57,134 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Northfield) | $68.67 |
| 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 Northfield, MN earn a median of $142,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.95% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Minnesota state average of $149,573.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.67/hr = $85,701/year (purchasing power: $87,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,835/year (purchasing power: $145,010).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Northfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Northfield grew 20.4% from $55.61/hr (2019) to $66.95/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.44/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 Northfield 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 Northfield
When assessing potential earnings for a part-time air traffic controller in Northfield, a 24-hour workweek can yield significant financial returns compared to a full-time schedule, depending on hours worked and additional overtime. In facilities facing staffing shortages, controllers may find themselves working 50 to 60 hours per week, leading to potential total compensation soaring well above the listed base rates, significantly enhancing their overall income. Per diem positions also provide flexibility, allowing individuals to negotiate pay associated with facility transfer training. Controllers at different types of employers, such as the FAA or military operations, might encounter varying pay scales, and factors such as benefits add yet another layer to compensation discussions. Those who elect positions offering lower hourly wages might receive health insurance coverage, while others could prefer higher pay without benefits, reflecting a personal trade-off based on career needs and lifestyle preferences. In navigating the employment landscape in Northfield, it’s advisable for air traffic controllers to approach their negotiations with clarity, understanding the value of their skill set and the importance of balancing financial compensation with health benefits.
More salary data for Northfield, 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 Northfield. 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 Northfield 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