Air Traffic Controller Salary in Warren, MI: $181,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Warren, MI earns a median $181,305/year (≈ $87.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Warren's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $194,533 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 28.1% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Warren is projected to reach a robust $181,305, significantly higher than the national median of $151,886, marking an increase of approximately 19.37%. This figure reflects the necessity of overtime economics in the area, with many controllers working 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic understaffing in facilities. The salary range for controllers here spans from $105,157 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $270,524 at the 90th percentile, revealing wide variability in compensation based on experience, facility type, and individual performance. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, providing an insightful look at the local job market for air traffic controllers in Warren, MI.
About the Warren Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,157 | $50.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,540 | $62.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $181,305 | $87.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $232,070 | $111.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $270,524 | $130.06 |
Median Salary Position
19.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Warren
In Warren, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $165,367 (2026 est.). At $181,305, the local median is 19.37% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Warren: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Warren Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Warren median: $181,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Warren Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,534 | +28.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +19.37% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Warren, MI earn a median of $181,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.37% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 28.10% above the Michigan state average of $141,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Warren 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.
Warren, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $181,305 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $194,533 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$146,812
2025 BLS Actual
$176,762
2026 Current Est.
$181,305
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Warren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Warren metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $146,812 (2019) to $176,762 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,152 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Warren 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) | $105,157 – $130,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,540 – $181,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $181,305 – $232,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $232,070 – $270,524 |
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 Warren
The local air traffic controller job market currently employs 27 professionals, highlighting a niche yet supportive community. With a cost of living index of 93.2, Warren offers a favorable economic environment that enhances take-home purchasing power for air traffic controllers. High-paying positions are largely available through FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, which tend to compensate controllers better than various airport control towers. Factors contributing to salary variability include the type of facility and the level of certification, particularly for those with CPC status. Controllers can optimize their earnings by pursuing overtime opportunities—a common necessity—as well as considering facility location, shift differentials, and holiday work, which can drastically boost their total compensation. Understanding these dynamics is vital for those navigating how much do air traffic controllers make in Warren.
More salary data for Warren, 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 $176,762 for air traffic controllersin the Warren 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 Warren 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