Air Traffic Controller Salary in Andover, MN: $144,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Andover, MN earns a median $144,173/year (≈ $69.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Andover's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $146,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Andover, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $144,173 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national average. In this region, the compensation for these professionals spans from a lower tenth percentile of $83,650 to an upper ninetieth percentile of $205,537, indicating considerable potential for pay differentiation. Local salary estimates are derived from state-level BLS data and adjustments in regional price parity, which helps illuminate the financial landscape for air traffic control roles. Controllers in this community may find opportunities that differ based on facility types; for instance, en route centers generally command higher salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities, making the type of facility an important factor in overall earnings.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,650 | $40.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,875 | $50.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,173 | $69.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,531 | $88.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,537 | $98.82 |
Median Salary Position
5.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
In Andover, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,887 (2026 est.). At $144,173, the local median is 5.08% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Andover: You'd be above the median
How Andover Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Andover median: $144,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Andover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,557 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.08% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Andover, MN earn a median of $144,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $149,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Andover has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Andover, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,173 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,369 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,745
2025 BLS Actual
$140,561
2026 Current Est.
$144,173
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,745 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,879 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Andover metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,745 (2019) to $140,561 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,879 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,134 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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) | $83,650 – $105,875 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,875 – $144,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,173 – $184,531 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,531 – $205,537 |
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 Andover
With only eight air traffic controllers currently employed in Andover, the job market remains quite localized, which contributes to a unique salary dynamic. The cost of living index for the area stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, affecting the take-home purchasing power of these professionals. Air traffic controller pay in Andover MN reflects the tiered structure of employment, with en route positions typically offering better compensation than those in terminal and tower settings. Factors such as CPC certification, shift differentials, and overtime can significantly influence earnings potential. Controllers can enhance their compensation by pursuing additional certifications, seeking overtime opportunities, or considering positions at larger FAA facilities. Understanding the local employment landscape and actively negotiating pay can help those in Andover capitalize on their skills and advance in their careers.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
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 $140,561 for air traffic controllersin the Andover 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 Andover 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