Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Liberty, IA: $125,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Liberty, IA earns a median $125,263/year (≈ $60.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $138,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in North Liberty, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $125,263, which reflects a local economic landscape that diverges from national trends. While salaries range from $72,652 at the 10th percentile to $175,353 at the 90th percentile, these figures represent a salary picture that is about 17.53% lower than the national median of $151,886. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities indicate that, despite being just a few years into their careers, controllers can see rapid salary growth; it takes only 1-3 years to progress to full pay based on the development and experience levels within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) framework. The North Liberty air traffic controller job market has unique characteristics, offering an interesting opportunity for aspiring candidates looking to navigate the complexities of this high-stakes profession.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,652 | $34.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,957 | $45.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,263 | $60.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,250 | $76.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,353 | $84.30 |
Median Salary Position
17.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Liberty
In North Liberty, IA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,701 (2026 est.). At $125,263, the local median is 17.53% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Liberty: You'd be above the median
How North Liberty Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Liberty median: $125,263/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $132,834 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -17.53% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Liberty, IA earn a median of $125,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.53% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $132,834.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Liberty 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.
North Liberty, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $125,263 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,565 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,432
2025 BLS Actual
$122,124
2026 Current Est.
$125,263
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,432 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,122 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,482 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Liberty metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $101,432 (2019) to $122,124 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,482 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,050 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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) | $72,652 – $94,957 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,957 – $125,263 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,263 – $159,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,250 – $175,353 |
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 North Liberty
The local job market for air traffic controllers in North Liberty is comparatively small, with just six employed in the region. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, meaning that while gross salaries may lag behind national averages, purchasing power can be more favorable when adjusted to local living standards. Among the various potential employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed by terminal TRACON facilities and airport control towers. Controllers can maximize their pay through strategic choices, such as gaining CPC certification and accruing overtime, which is often mandated due to workforce shortages within the FAA. Shift differentials, particularly for night and holiday shifts, can also enhance overall compensation. Given the current economic climate and the impending retirement of seasoned controllers, aspiring candidates may find lucrative opportunities in a market eager for well-trained professionals.
More salary data for North Liberty, 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 $122,124 for air traffic controllersin the North Liberty 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 North Liberty 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