Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mason City, IA: $125,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mason City, IA earns a median $125,756/year (≈ $60.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $139,111 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Mason City, IA is projected to reach a median of $125,756, a figure that represents a notable difference compared to the national median of $151,886. Local salaries range from a low of $72,939 to a high of $175,026, indicating a substantial disparity based on experience and facility type. For air traffic controllers in this area, job responsibilities may vary between en route centers, terminal facilities, and airport towers, which profoundly impact compensation levels. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and consider the regional cost adjustments. With only four air traffic controllers employed in Mason City, the job landscape promises opportunities amidst a niche market.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,939 | $35.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,545 | $43.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,756 | $60.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,366 | $76.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,026 | $84.15 |
Median Salary Position
17.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,087 (2026 est.). At $125,756, the local median is 17.2% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be above the median
How Mason City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mason City median: $125,756/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $132,794 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -17.20% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mason City, IA earn a median of $125,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.20% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $132,794.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City 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.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $125,756 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,111 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,831
2025 BLS Actual
$122,605
2026 Current Est.
$125,756
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,983 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $101,831 (2019) to $122,605 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,157 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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) | $72,939 – $90,545 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,545 – $125,756 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,756 – $158,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,366 – $175,026 |
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 Mason City
Although the overall salary figures for air traffic controllers in Mason City may seem lower than national averages, they are positioned against a cost-of-living index of 90.4, suggesting a relative affordability in the area. Controllers at FAA en route centers typically command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal and tower facilities. Factors driving pay variations include facility tier classifications—where Level 12 en route facilities pay more than Level 11 terminal and Level 7 tower positions—and various incentives like locality pay and shift differentials. Many controllers who maximize their earnings do so by taking advantage of overtime opportunities and pursuing CPC certification, which can elevate their salaries significantly. Understanding the specific employment environment and leveraging available benefits will be key for those seeking to optimize their air traffic controller pay in Mason City, IA.
More salary data for Mason City, 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 $122,605 for air traffic controllersin the Mason City 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 Mason City 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