Air Traffic Controller Salary in Taylor, MI: $140,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Taylor, MI earns a median $140,249/year (≈ $67.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Taylor's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $150,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Taylor, MI, are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $140,249 in 2026, reflecting the impact of chronic understaffing within a field that often requires extended hours. With salaries ranging from $81,344 at the lower percentile to $199,260 for those at the high end, the financial rewards of the profession are appealing. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, are lower compared to the national median of $151,886. However, the unique economic dynamics of Taylor present opportunities for controllers, especially as the growing demand for air traffic management continues to drive pay upwards in this market.
About the Taylor Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,344 | $39.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,661 | $49.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,249 | $67.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,143 | $85.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,260 | $95.80 |
Median Salary Position
7.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Taylor
In Taylor, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,916 (2026 est.). At $140,249, the local median is 7.66% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Taylor: You'd be above the median
How Taylor Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Taylor median: $140,249/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Taylor Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,523 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.66% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Taylor, MI earn a median of $140,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.66% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Michigan state average of $141,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Taylor 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.
Taylor, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,249 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,482 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,567
2025 BLS Actual
$136,735
2026 Current Est.
$140,249
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Taylor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,567 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,118 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,853 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Taylor metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,567 (2019) to $136,735 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,853 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,286 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taylor 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) | $81,344 – $102,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,661 – $140,249 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,249 – $178,143 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,143 – $199,260 |
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 Taylor
In Taylor, 16 air traffic controllers currently navigate the skies, but the $140,249 median is influenced by various factors including the cost of living, which stands at a below-average index of 93.2. This suggests that despite lower compared to national figures, the take-home pay can be quite effective in supporting local lifestyles. Among local payers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation, which is crucial given the tier system where Level 12 facilities command premium rates. Additionally, various pay drivers—including shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and CPC certification status—can significantly impact earnings. With controllers regularly working 50-60 hour weeks, those strategies focusing on challenging facility placements and advancing skill certifications become essential for maximizing income in the Taylor job market.
More salary data for Taylor, 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 $136,735 for air traffic controllersin the Taylor 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 Taylor 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