Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elk River, MN: $146,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Elk River, MN earns a median $146,577/year (≈ $70.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $148,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual compensation for air traffic controllers in Elk River, Minnesota, is set at $146,577, which is slightly below the national average of $151,886. The pay spectrum extends from a lower tier of $85,014 to a top-tier salary of $213,673, underscoring the significant income potential within this profession. These figures are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. Considering the CPC certification timeline typically spans 1 to 3 years, new controllers can expect their salaries to grow as they progress through their training and gain additional responsibilities. The job market in Elk River appears stable, with a handful of positions available, making this a viable career path for qualified candidates interested in air traffic control.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,014 | $40.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,340 | $51.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,577 | $70.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,814 | $87.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,673 | $102.72 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,659 (2026 est.). At $146,577, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Elk River median: $146,577/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,568 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.50% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Elk River, MN earn a median of $146,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $149,568.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,577 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,809 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,691
2025 BLS Actual
$142,904
2026 Current Est.
$146,577
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,344 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,691 (2019) to $142,904 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,344 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,653 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $85,014 – $107,340 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,340 – $146,577 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,577 – $181,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,814 – $213,673 |
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 Elk River
The local employment landscape has only four air traffic controllers, which indicates a tight-knit community with potential opportunities for upward mobility. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the income from air traffic controller pay in Elk River, MN, allows for reasonable purchasing power, making it attractive compared to many urban centers. Employers in the region primarily include FAA-operated facilities that handle terminal and en route traffic. Controllers working at terminal radar approach control facilities may earn more based on their specific roles and certifications, with advanced development leading to higher salary tiers. Given that the field is prone to chronic staffing shortages and rimmed by mandatory retirement age limits, aspiring controllers should actively seek CPC certification and consider overtime opportunities to enhance their overall earnings and optimize their pay in this market.
More salary data for Elk River, 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 $142,904 for air traffic controllersin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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