Air Traffic Controller Salary in Muscatine, IA: $124,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Muscatine, IA earns a median $124,054/year (≈ $59.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $137,228 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $124,054 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national median of $151,886, highlighting the local market's unique pay scale dynamics. The salary range for controllers in this area spans from $74,155 at the 10th percentile to $171,105 at the 90th percentile, indicating the variation in compensation based on facility tier and level of experience. Specifically, controllers in en route Level 12 facilities tend to command higher salaries compared to those working in terminal Level 11 and tower Level 7 positions. Given that the 2026 estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, these figures reflect local economic conditions and can effectively inform applicants about what to expect in terms of air traffic controller pay in Muscatine, IA.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,155 | $35.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,555 | $44.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,054 | $59.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,409 | $75.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,105 | $82.26 |
Median Salary Position
18.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,950 (2026 est.). At $124,054, the local median is 18.32% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be above the median
How Muscatine Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $124,054/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $132,820 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.32% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $124,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $132,820.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $124,054 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,228 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,453
2025 BLS Actual
$120,946
2026 Current Est.
$124,054
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,522 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,243 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,453 (2019) to $120,946 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,790 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $74,155 – $92,555 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,555 – $124,054 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,054 – $156,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,409 – $171,105 |
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 Muscatine
The local job market in Muscatine employs only five air traffic controllers, which can be indicative of limited opportunities in this smaller city compared to larger urban centers. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, below the national average, suggesting that despite the lower salaries, residents may experience a more manageable cost structure relative to their earnings. In Muscatine, employers that tend to pay more include FAA en route centers, which generally offer higher compensation due to the nature of their operations. Factors influencing the pay differential include whether controllers work at en route facilities or terminal and tower facilities, their certification status as Certified Professional Controllers (CPC), and various shift differentials. Those in Muscatine looking to optimize their air traffic controller salaries should consider skills advancement, taking advantage of shift work, and seeking opportunities with the FAA where overtime is often available. Moreover, the chronic understaffing and mandatory retirement policies within the FAA may present further opportunities for new entrants in the job market.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $120,946 for air traffic controllersin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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