Air Traffic Controller Salary in Detroit, MI: $182,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Detroit, MI earns a median $182,893/year (≈ $87.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Detroit's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.3), that paycheck buys what $182,350 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 29.2% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, a career as an air traffic controller can be highly lucrative, with the median annual salary projected at $182,893 in 2026. The pay range offers significant variation, from $102,785 on the low end to $219,849 for the highest earners. These figures stem from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the sharp demand for controllers in an environment where many facilities are often understaffed. The combination of overtime work, frequently stretching 50-60 hours a week, effectively boosts compensation levels beyond the base salary, making Detroit an appealing market for aspiring controllers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,785 | $49.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,304 | $58.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $182,893 | $87.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,868 | $97.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,849 | $105.70 |
Median Salary Position
20.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Detroit
In Detroit, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,064 (2026 est.). At $182,893, the local median is 20.41% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Detroit: You'd be above the median
How Detroit Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Detroit median: $182,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Detroit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,558 | +29.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +20.41% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Detroit, MI earn a median of $182,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.41% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 29.20% above the Michigan state average of $141,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Detroit has a cost of living 0.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Detroit, MI has a cost-of-living index of 100.298 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $182,893 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $182,350 — a 0.3% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$148,098
2025 BLS Actual
$178,310
2026 Current Est.
$182,893
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,045 | Actual |
| 2021 | $156,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $178,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Detroit metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $148,098 (2019) to $178,310 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $187,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,495 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Detroit 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) | $102,785 – $122,304 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,304 – $182,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $182,893 – $201,868 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,868 – $219,849 |
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 Detroit
With 180 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Detroit area, the local job market reflects a solid demand for this role. The area's cost of living index, sitting at 100.298, slightly above the national average, necessitates careful consideration of take-home pay and purchasing power for controllers. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls typically offer the highest compensation, particularly for certified professional controllers (CPCs). Variability in pay can arise from factors such as facility tier levels, certification status, and shift differentials, along with the abundant overtime that is a staple of this field. To maximize earning potential in Detroit, controllers should actively pursue CPC certification while seeking positions at en route facilities where the highest pay rates can be attained, and strategically taking advantage of overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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 $178,310 for air traffic controllersin the Detroit 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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