Air Traffic Controller Salary in Coon Rapids, MN: $144,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Coon Rapids, MN earns a median $144,882/year (≈ $69.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Coon Rapids's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $147,088 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Coon Rapids, MN, offers a promising avenue for aspiring air traffic controllers, with a projected median salary of $144,882 in 2026. This figure reflects local estimates derived from state-level BLS data and adjustments for regional economic conditions. The salary range for air traffic controllers in Coon Rapids varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $84,031 (P10) and seasoned professionals earning up to $213,423 (P90). This wide disparity in pay points to the importance of certification and experience, especially considering the timeline for earning a CPC (Control Position Certified) can take between one to three years. With ten current air traffic controllers on the job in the area, Coon Rapids represents a niche yet valuable market for aviation professionals.
About the Coon Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,031 | $40.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,315 | $50.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,882 | $69.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,450 | $89.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,423 | $102.61 |
Median Salary Position
4.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coon Rapids
In Coon Rapids, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,392 (2026 est.). At $144,882, the local median is 4.61% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Coon Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Coon Rapids Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Coon Rapids median: $144,882/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Coon Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,672 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.61% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Coon Rapids, MN earn a median of $144,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Minnesota state average of $149,672.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Coon Rapids 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.
Coon Rapids, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,882 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,088 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,319
2025 BLS Actual
$141,252
2026 Current Est.
$144,882
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,319 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,606 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Coon Rapids metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,319 (2019) to $141,252 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,606 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,287 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coon Rapids 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) | $84,031 – $104,315 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,315 – $144,882 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,882 – $185,450 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,450 – $213,423 |
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 Coon Rapids
Examining the local job market reveals that Coon Rapids has a cost-of-living index of 98.5, slightly below the national average, which influences purchasing power for controllers here. Compensation levels can vary dramatically based on the type of facility—those at FAA en route centers, which typically handle high-altitude air traffic, often receive higher pay compared to those in terminal radar approach control or airport towers. To maximize earnings, aspiring controllers should aim for the CPC certification to unlock full pay potential and consider positions at FAA en route facilities. Additionally, understanding the factors that contribute to the pay spread, such as shift differentials and overtime opportunities, can significantly influence overall compensation. Given the ongoing staffing challenges post-2013 budget cuts, controllers may find themselves taking on additional hours, further enhancing their take-home pay.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, 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 $141,252 for air traffic controllersin the Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids 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