Air Traffic Controller Salary in Traverse City, MI: $133,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Traverse City, MI earns a median $133,964/year (≈ $64.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Traverse City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $143,738 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Traverse City, MI, the projected air traffic controller salary in 2026 reaches a median of $133,964, illustrating a competitive compensation landscape, albeit approximately 11.8% lower than the national average. Local controllers can expect to earn between $77,699 at the 10th percentile and $180,099 at the 90th percentile, underlining the variability driven by factors such as experience and job responsibilities. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting regional economic conditions which influence local salaries. Aspiring controllers in Traverse City face a clear pathway to their earnings potential, with full pay achievable within 1 to 3 years following CPC certification as they progress from developmental pay scales to full salaries.
About the Traverse City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,699 | $37.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,454 | $46.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,964 | $64.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,110 | $79.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,099 | $86.59 |
Median Salary Position
11.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Traverse City
In Traverse City, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,400 (2026 est.). At $133,964, the local median is 11.8% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Traverse City: You'd be above the median
How Traverse City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Traverse City median: $133,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Traverse City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,611 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.80% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Traverse City, MI earn a median of $133,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.80% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Michigan state average of $141,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Traverse City 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.
Traverse City, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,964 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,738 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,478
2025 BLS Actual
$130,607
2026 Current Est.
$133,964
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Traverse City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,478 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,031 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Traverse City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,478 (2019) to $130,607 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,928 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Traverse City 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) | $77,699 – $96,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,454 – $133,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,964 – $166,110 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,110 – $180,099 |
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 Traverse City
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Traverse City remains stable, with five individuals currently employed in this critical role. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 93.2, suggesting that while salaries are lower than the national median, purchasing power is relatively favorable compared to more expensive regions. Among local employers, the FAA manages the highest compensation opportunities, with en route centers typically offering superior pay compared to terminal facilities and airport towers. The disparity in air traffic controller pay in Traverse City MI is influenced by several factors including facility type, CPC certification status, and various pay differentials for shifts and overtime, resulting in a clear compensation strategy for maximizing earnings in this niche market. For those dedicated to pursuing this profession, understanding the local market dynamics and actively seeking opportunities for advancement and specialized roles can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Traverse City, 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 $130,607 for air traffic controllersin the Traverse City 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 Traverse City 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