Air Traffic Controller Salary in Davenport, IA: $137,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Davenport, IA earns a median $137,157/year (≈ $65.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Davenport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $151,722 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davenport, Iowa, the projected median air traffic controller salary for 2026 is $137,157, which reflects a competitive, yet slightly below national average when compared to the national median of $151,886. This position in Davenport offers a salary range from $79,551 at the 10th percentile to $199,704 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and certification status. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, which includes adjustments for regional cost variations. With air traffic controllers expected to undergo a certification timeline that typically spans 1-3 years before realizing full pay, those considering a career in this field in Davenport will find a job market ready for skilled professionals, as evidenced by the presence of approximately 15 controllers currently employed in the area.
About the Davenport Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,551 | $38.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,752 | $47.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,157 | $65.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,561 | $84.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,704 | $96.02 |
Median Salary Position
9.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davenport
In Davenport, IA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,153 (2026 est.). At $137,157, the local median is 9.7% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davenport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davenport Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Davenport median: $137,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davenport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $132,775 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.70% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Davenport, IA earn a median of $137,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% above the Iowa state average of $132,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davenport has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davenport, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $137,157 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,722 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,063
2025 BLS Actual
$133,720
2026 Current Est.
$137,157
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,063 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,682 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davenport metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,063 (2019) to $133,720 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,682 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,619 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,551 – $98,752 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,752 – $137,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,157 – $175,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,561 – $199,704 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Davenport
Local economic conditions play a pivotal role in shaping the air traffic controller pay in Davenport, IA. With a lower cost-of-living index at 90.4, take-home purchasing power for controllers may be more favorable compared to more expensive regions. Among factors influencing salaries, the type of facility where one is employed can greatly affect pay. For instance, FAA en route centers often provide higher compensation relative to terminal and tower facilities. Other critical elements include certification status, which can yield varying pay scales for developmental controllers, and shift differentials, with added benefits for nighttime and holiday work. For those looking to maximize income, pursuing the highest level of certification and considering opportunities in the FAA's higher-tier facilities, as well as ensuring availability for overtime shifts, can significantly enhance earning potential within Davenport's air traffic control market.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,720 for air traffic controllersin the Davenport metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davenport 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