Air Traffic Controller Salary in Maple Grove, MN: $151,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Maple Grove, MN earns a median $151,636/year (≈ $72.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Maple Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $153,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the air traffic control sector of Maple Grove, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $151,636, which reflects a competitive position compared to the national median of $151,886. Air traffic controllers in this area can expect to see a salary range from $87,949 at the 10th percentile to $222,426 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living. Considering the unique demands of different facility types, air traffic controllers working at en route facilities typically command higher salaries compared to those at terminal and tower operations. With only 14 air traffic controllers employed locally, the market in Maple Grove reveals a specialized and potentially lucrative landscape for those qualified to take on the role.
About the Maple Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,949 | $42.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,179 | $52.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,636 | $72.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,094 | $93.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,426 | $106.94 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maple Grove
In Maple Grove, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,477 (2026 est.). At $151,636, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maple Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maple Grove Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Maple Grove median: $151,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maple Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,543 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.16% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Maple Grove, MN earn a median of $151,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Minnesota state average of $149,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maple Grove 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.
Maple Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $151,636 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,945 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,788
2025 BLS Actual
$147,837
2026 Current Est.
$151,636
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Maple Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,788 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,533 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maple Grove metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,788 (2019) to $147,837 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,533 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,745 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maple Grove 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) | $87,949 – $109,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,179 – $151,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,636 – $194,094 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,094 – $222,426 |
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 Maple Grove
Looking at the broader employment environment, the presence of 14 air traffic controllers in Maple Grove suggests a stable job market for this profession, albeit one with limited opportunities for new entrants. The cost of living index for the area stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which means that despite the salaries being on par with national figures, controllers may find their purchasing power affected by local economic conditions. Among employers, FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) usually offer the highest salaries, particularly for controllers who reach the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. The disparity in pay within the sector can largely be attributed to factors like facility type, certification levels, and shift differentials that add a significant premium to night and weekend shifts. Air traffic controllers seeking to maximize their pay should consider securing positions with higher-level facilities, actively pursuing CPC certification, and being open to working overtime and shifts that attract additional compensation. Connecting with local hiring managers and exploring different types of facilities could also enhance earning potential for those looking to establish or advance their careers in this field in Maple Grove, MN.
More salary data for Maple Grove, 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 $147,837 for air traffic controllersin the Maple Grove 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 Maple Grove 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