Air Traffic Controller Salary in Holland, MI: $135,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Holland, MI earns a median $135,273/year (≈ $65.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Holland's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $145,143 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Holland, MI, the projected median annual air traffic controller salary in 2026 is $135,273, which reflects a notable 10.94% disparity below the national average of $151,886. Salary figures in this region show a wide range, with entry-level positions earning around $78,459 at the 10th percentile, and seasoned professionals reaching up to $190,666 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, reveal how facility tier plays a significant role in compensation. Those working in en route centers, which are generally at Level 12, can expect higher pay than their counterparts at terminal or tower facilities. This detail is critical for controllers considering opportunities in Holland, as understanding facility classification can inform their career trajectory and earnings potential.
About the Holland Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,459 | $37.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,968 | $47.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,273 | $65.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,809 | $82.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,666 | $91.67 |
Median Salary Position
10.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holland
In Holland, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,207 (2026 est.). At $135,273, the local median is 10.94% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Holland: You'd be above the median
How Holland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Holland median: $135,273/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Holland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,499 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.94% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Holland, MI earn a median of $135,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,499.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Holland has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Holland, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,273 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,143 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,538
2025 BLS Actual
$131,884
2026 Current Est.
$135,273
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Holland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,538 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,562 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,884 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,750 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Holland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,538 (2019) to $131,884 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,750 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,212 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holland 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) | $78,459 – $97,968 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,968 – $135,273 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,273 – $171,809 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,809 – $190,666 |
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 Holland
Currently, there are five air traffic controllers employed in Holland, MI, a market characterized by a cost-of-living index of 93.2, which is below the national average. While this suggests a lower overall living expense, it also amplifies the importance of maximizing take-home pay in this specific job environment. Employers, particularly FAA en route centers, tend to provide the most lucrative salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. Factors such as CPC certification status, facility tier adherence, and various shift differentials significantly influence the pay scale. Controllers can boost their compensation by seeking assignments at higher-tier facilities or opting for overtime, which remains widely available due to staffing shortages that have persisted across the industry. Additionally, understanding the implications of locality pay in Michigan versus major metropolitan areas can inform strategic decisions for growth in air traffic controller pay in Holland, MI.
More salary data for Holland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $131,884 for air traffic controllersin the Holland 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 Holland 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