Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Richfield, MN: $69.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Richfield, MN runs $69.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Richfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,456 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Richfield, Minnesota, can expect an hourly median pay of $69.28 in 2026, a figure that is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This hourly compensation equates to roughly $144,104 annually if one were to work full-time, making it a viable option for those considering part-time or per-diem engagements. For instance, a controller working three days a week in a setting such as an en route center, TRACON, or control tower could earn a substantial amount, particularly when evaluating the dynamic work conditions in facilities that manage both high-altitude traffic and airport approaches. The hourly pay for an air traffic controller in Richfield ranges from $40.19 for entry-level positions to $98.70 for the most experienced, providing ample opportunity for advancement as controllers gain expertise and navigate the complexities of air traffic management.
About the Richfield 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) | $40.19 | $321.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.83 | $406.67 |
| Median (P50) | $69.28 | $554.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.04 | $688.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.70 | $789.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richfield
Based on $69.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.28/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richfield, MN can expect to earn approximately $144,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,131. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,771.03 | $12,008 | $144,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,662.62 | $7,205 | $86,456 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,108.41 | $4,803 | $57,637 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Richfield) | $69.28 |
| 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 Richfield, MN earn a median of $144,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $149,640.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.28/hr = $86,456/year (purchasing power: $87,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,094/year (purchasing power: $146,288).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Richfield grew 20.4% from $56.10/hr (2019) to $67.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.06/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 Richfield 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 Richfield
Examining the financial landscape for those in the profession reveals interesting considerations regarding part-time and per-diem arrangements. A part-time air traffic controller, working just 24 hours a week, could take home a significantly lower annual income than a full-time peer, though the flexibility can be appealing. The nature of per-diem work in Richfield allows controllers to negotiate rates during training phases or times of facility transfer, affecting overall pay. Moreover, many controllers frequently encounter overtime opportunities that can lead to substantial earnings, with effective hourly compensation exceeding base rates, particularly for those in understaffed facilities. Different employer types, including FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach controls, and military ATC, all influence hourly pay rates due to funding structures and operational demands. Controllers must also weigh the benefits of health insurance against the potential for higher hourly wages without those perks, making negotiation skills crucial in the Richfield job market.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 Richfield. 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 Richfield 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