Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MN: $71.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Plymouth, MN runs $71.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,058 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $71.18, which reflects a slight dip compared to the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate allows for substantial income potential, even for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week. In the demanding environments where these professionals operate—be it en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers—controllers manage a myriad of critical tasks that contribute to safe and efficient air traffic management. The compensation varies significantly, with entry-level earnings starting at approximately $41.28 per hour for those just beginning their careers and reaching up to $100.97 per hour for top-tier professionals. It’s important to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, translated into hourly values for a clearer picture of remuneration in this essential field.
About the Plymouth 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) | $41.28 | $330.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.01 | $416.11 |
| Median (P50) | $71.18 | $569.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.32 | $722.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.97 | $807.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $71.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.18/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MN can expect to earn approximately $148,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,420. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,847.34 | $12,338 | $148,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,708.41 | $7,403 | $88,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,138.94 | $4,935 | $59,225 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Plymouth) | $71.18 |
| 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 Plymouth, MN earn a median of $148,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Minnesota state average of $149,553.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.18/hr = $88,837/year (purchasing power: $90,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,062/year (purchasing power: $150,317).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Plymouth grew 20.4% from $57.64/hr (2019) to $69.40/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.01/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
For those pursuing part-time employment in this role, working three days a week could yield a yearly income substantially lower than full-time counterparts, given the typical 24 hours of work per week. However, the reality for many controllers in Plymouth also includes per-diem positions, where pay can vary widely based on facility needs and shift requirements. Notably, many air traffic controllers are working significant overtime, often clocking in at 50 to 60 hours per week, significantly boosting their effective hourly compensation. Facilities like FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and airport control towers often have different compensation scales, impacting the hourly earnings and growth potential. While some might opt for positions with higher hourly wages and no benefits, others may take lower-paying roles, valuing health insurance and job stability. Negotiating for better hourly pay can be pivotal in this job market, particularly given the ongoing staffing challenges, making it crucial to understand the terms of employment offered by diverse employers in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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