Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bloomington, MN: $181,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bloomington, MN earns a median $181,022/year (≈ $87.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $183,779 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 21.0% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Bloomington, Minnesota, can expect a median salary of $181,022, positioning them well above the national median of $151,886. The pay range for controllers in this city varies significantly, from $104,993 at the lower end (P10) to $261,416 at the higher end (P90). These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and regional price adjustments. Controllers at FAA en route centers and specialized radar approach facilities typically command higher salaries than those working in smaller tower facilities. As Bloomington hosts a limited number of air traffic controllers, with only 18 currently employed in the area, the local job market reflects competitive compensation closely tied to specific facility types and the accumulated experience of controllers.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,993 | $50.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,336 | $62.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $181,022 | $87.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $231,708 | $111.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $261,416 | $125.68 |
Median Salary Position
19.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $156,423 (2026 est.). At $181,022, the local median is 19.18% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $181,022/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,605 | +21.00% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +19.18% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bloomington, MN earn a median of $181,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 21.00% above the Minnesota state average of $149,605.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington 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.
Bloomington, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $181,022 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $183,779 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$146,583
2025 BLS Actual
$176,486
2026 Current Est.
$181,022
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,583 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $146,583 (2019) to $176,486 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,091 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $104,993 – $130,336 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,336 – $181,022 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $181,022 – $231,708 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $231,708 – $261,416 |
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 Bloomington
With a localized cost of living index measuring 98.5, Bloomington offers reasonable living expenses, enhancing the purchasing power of air traffic controller salaries amidst national standards. The disparity in pay reflects various employment factors, including the tier of the facility—en route controllers generally earn more than those in terminal or tower positions. Among employers in the area, FAA en route and Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities are likely to offer the highest salaries due to their sophisticated traffic management roles. Maximizing earnings potential within Bloomington may depend on pursuing Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, securing shift differentials for less desirable hours, and taking advantage of mandatory overtime, which has become increasingly prevalent in the face of chronic federal staffing shortages. Understanding these nuances will be critical for those considering a career in air traffic control in Bloomington, MN.
More salary data for Bloomington, 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 $176,486 for air traffic controllersin the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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