Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $121,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $121,927/year (≈ $58.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $134,875 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, IA, the 2026 projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers is $121,927. This figure reflects the unique dynamics of the local market, especially given the tendency for facilities to require controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks due to ongoing staffing shortages. This uptick in hours often leads to higher effective compensation, especially for those who maximize overtime opportunities. Salaries for air traffic controllers in the region range from $70,718 at the lower decile to as high as $164,265 for the top earners. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and are adjusted for local economic conditions, showcasing a compensation landscape that, while competitive relative to national figures, still falls short of the $151,886 national median for the same year.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,718 | $34.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,396 | $42.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,927 | $58.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,897 | $73.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,265 | $78.97 |
Median Salary Position
19.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,547 (2026 est.). At $121,927, the local median is 19.72% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be above the median
How Fort Dodge Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $121,927/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $132,818 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.72% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $121,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $132,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $121,927 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,875 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,731
2025 BLS Actual
$118,872
2026 Current Est.
$121,927
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,731 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,061 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $98,731 (2019) to $118,872 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,330 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $70,718 – $88,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,396 – $121,927 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,927 – $153,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,897 – $164,265 |
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 Fort Dodge
The job market for air traffic controllers in Fort Dodge is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this role. The cost-of-living index rests at 90.4, suggesting that while overall expenses may be lower than the national average, controllers may still find their take-home pay to be affected by local economic factors. Among the various employers, FAA en route facilities typically offer the highest pay levels, followed by terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. The pay disparity can often be attributed to the facility type, certification status, and the availability of overtime. Strategies to enhance earnings in this market include pursuing developmental certifications early in one’s career, leveraging shift differentials, and actively seeking out overtime opportunities to increase overall income. Additionally, controllers should be mindful of their work-life balance while also capitalizing on the strong demand for their skills in a market characterized by chronic staffing shortfalls.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 $118,872 for air traffic controllersin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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