Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Savage, MN: $69.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Savage, MN runs $69.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,649 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Savage's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,789 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Savage, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $69.54, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the specialized nature of the job, which operates out of various settings including en route centers and airport control towers. Controllers typically work in high-pressure environments, often in dimly lit facilities, using radar consoles to manage flight traffic. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, a schedule of three days a week (totaling approximately 24 hours) can still yield substantial earnings, particularly with the base range for entry-level roles starting at $40.72 and top earners making up to $99.59 per hour. These figures illustrate the financial potential for air traffic controllers in Savage, contributing to a robust compensation framework driven by demand and expertise.
About the Savage 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) | $40.72 | $325.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.35 | $410.77 |
| Median (P50) | $69.54 | $556.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.01 | $712.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.59 | $796.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Savage
Based on $69.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.54/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Savage, MN can expect to earn approximately $144,648 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,451. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Savage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Savage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,781.70 | $12,054 | $144,648 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,669.02 | $7,232 | $86,789 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,112.68 | $4,822 | $57,859 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Savage) | $69.54 |
| 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 Savage, MN earn a median of $144,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Minnesota state average of $149,586.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.54/hr = $86,789/year (purchasing power: $88,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,648/year (purchasing power: $146,851).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Savage grew 20.4% from $56.31/hr (2019) to $67.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.33/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 Savage 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 Savage
Beyond base compensation, part-time air traffic controllers can accumulate considerable earnings, often surpassing those of full-time colleagues due to the flexibility of scheduling and the nature of their work. Many controllers opt for agency or per-diem roles, where opportunities for overtime—paid at 1.5 times the base rate—can significantly elevate earnings. Working 50-60 hours a week is not uncommon in understaffed facilities, leading to overtime pay that can surpass $100,000 annually, dramatically increasing the income potential for dedicated air traffic controllers. Additionally, the variability in hourly pay across different employer types in Savage, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers, creates a diverse earning environment. Some individuals may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while others prioritize a higher wage with fewer perks. Negotiation can be essential, as understanding the trade-offs associated with different employer types and contract agreements can lead to better compensation outcomes tailored to personal circumstances.
More salary data for Savage, 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 Savage. 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 Savage 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