Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fridley, MN: $141,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fridley, MN earns a median $141,897/year (≈ $68.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fridley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $144,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fridley, Minnesota, the 2026 median annual air traffic controller salary is projected to be $141,897. This figure, while competitive locally, falls approximately 6.58% below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fridley spans from $82,300 at the lower percentile to $202,997 at the higher end. This range reflects the realities of a sector marked by chronic understaffing, where many facilities require controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks. This overtime often drives up effective compensation, providing controllers with essential financial incentives to manage the demands of the job in the Fridley region. Those looking to understand air traffic controller pay in Fridley MN will find that practical working conditions play a significant role in shaping salary outcomes.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,300 | $39.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,166 | $49.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,897 | $68.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,629 | $87.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,997 | $97.60 |
Median Salary Position
6.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fridley
In Fridley, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,697 (2026 est.). At $141,897, the local median is 6.58% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fridley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fridley Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fridley median: $141,897/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fridley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,681 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.58% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fridley, MN earn a median of $141,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $149,681.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fridley 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.
Fridley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,897 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,058 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,902
2025 BLS Actual
$138,342
2026 Current Est.
$141,897
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,902 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,217 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fridley metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,902 (2019) to $138,342 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,642 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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) | $82,300 – $102,166 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,166 – $141,897 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,897 – $181,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,629 – $202,997 |
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 Fridley
The local air traffic controller job market in Fridley is relatively small, with only five employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 98.5, controllers may experience slightly more purchasing power compared to more expensive regions. The highest-paying opportunities typically arise from FAA en route centers, which manage traffic over broader areas and offer a greater salary potential. Factors influencing the pay spread include the facility type, level of certification, and various incentives like shift differentials and overtime, which can be common due to staffing shortages. Controllers should focus on achieving CPC certification and seek positions at en route or TRACON facilities to maximize their overall compensation in Fridley. Additionally, aiming for shifts during weekends or holidays can significantly enhance earnings amid the staffing demands of the position.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Fridley, MN in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Fridley?
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Related Pages
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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 $138,342 for air traffic controllersin the Fridley 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 Fridley 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