Air Traffic Controller Salary in Romulus, MI: $130,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Romulus, MI earns a median $130,909/year (≈ $62.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Romulus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $140,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller salary in Romulus, MI, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $130,909 in 2026, reflecting a competitive compensation structure within the aviation industry. Salary ranges for this profession in the area extend from $76,221 at the 10th percentile to $178,473 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and cost of living. As air traffic controllers progress from developmental to full CPC status—typically within 1 to 3 years—they experience significant pay increases, making Romulus a viable option for those pursing a career in this field.
About the Romulus Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,221 | $36.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,088 | $46.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,909 | $62.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,468 | $78.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,473 | $85.80 |
Median Salary Position
13.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Romulus
In Romulus, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,252 (2026 est.). At $130,909, the local median is 13.81% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Romulus: You'd be above the median
How Romulus Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Romulus median: $130,909/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Romulus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,523 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.81% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Romulus, MI earn a median of $130,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.81% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.50% below the Michigan state average of $141,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Romulus 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.
Romulus, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $130,909 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,460 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,004
2025 BLS Actual
$127,629
2026 Current Est.
$130,909
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Romulus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,004 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,407 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,769 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Romulus metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,004 (2019) to $127,629 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,269 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Romulus 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) | $76,221 – $96,088 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,088 – $130,909 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,909 – $163,468 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,468 – $178,473 |
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 Romulus
Currently, there are five air traffic controllers employed in Romulus, indicating a niche yet stable job market. The cost of living index at 93.2 suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to national averages, enhancing the take-home purchasing power of those in this role. Employers in the area include FAA tower facilities, but pay rates can vary significantly based on the type of facility and certification level. For instance, higher compensation is often associated with en route centers and those holding CPC certification. Strategies to maximize earnings in Romulus include seeking out opportunities for overtime, capitalizing on shift differentials, and advancing to positions at tier-one facilities, all of which significantly boost overall pay in an industry facing chronic understaffing and high demand for skilled controllers.
More salary data for Romulus, 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 $127,629 for air traffic controllersin the Romulus 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 Romulus 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