Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester Hills, MI: $140,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rochester Hills, MI earns a median $140,641/year (≈ $67.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rochester Hills's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $150,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester Hills, Michigan, air traffic controllers can anticipate a competitive median annual salary of $140,641 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $151,886, indicating a regional pay structure that may differ for various reasons. The salary range for controllers in this locale extends from $81,572 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $209,177 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the potential for significant earnings growth with experience and specialized skills. As controllers develop through their careers, reaching Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status typically takes 1 to 3 years, which can significantly enhance earning potential. These salary numbers are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, highlighting Rochester Hills's competitive positioning in the air traffic control profession.
About the Rochester Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,572 | $39.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,421 | $49.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,641 | $67.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,021 | $86.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,177 | $100.57 |
Median Salary Position
7.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester Hills
In Rochester Hills, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,605 (2026 est.). At $140,641, the local median is 7.4% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Hills Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rochester Hills median: $140,641/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,490 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.40% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rochester Hills, MI earn a median of $140,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Michigan state average of $141,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester Hills 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.
Rochester Hills, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,641 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,902 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,885
2025 BLS Actual
$137,117
2026 Current Est.
$140,641
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rochester Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,885 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,255 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester Hills metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,885 (2019) to $137,117 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,255 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,370 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester Hills 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) | $81,572 – $103,421 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,421 – $140,641 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,641 – $180,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,021 – $209,177 |
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 Rochester Hills
The local market for air traffic controllers in Rochester Hills is relatively stable, with a modest workforce of 12 controllers currently employed in the area. A cost of living index of 93.2 signals that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for controllers remains favorable. Those working for FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) generally command the highest salaries, often exceeding base pay due to additional factors such as shift differentials and overtime. To maximize compensation, controllers should consider the benefits of becoming CPC-certified, exploring opportunities in high-demand facilities, and taking advantage of overtime assignments. Given the ongoing staffing challenges within the FAA and the age-56 mandatory retirement benchmark, there are ample opportunities for career advancement and increased earnings for air traffic controllers in Rochester Hills, MI.
More salary data for Rochester Hills, 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 $137,117 for air traffic controllersin the Rochester Hills 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 Rochester Hills 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