Air Traffic Controller Salary in Minnetonka, MN: $147,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Minnetonka, MN earns a median $147,821/year (≈ $71.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Minnetonka's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $150,072 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for air traffic controllers in Minnetonka, Minnesota, stands at $147,821, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. This figure reflects the unique economic dynamics of the area, where air traffic controllers often work 50 to 60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing, allowing for opportunities to earn significant overtime compensation. The salary range for this occupation in the area varies considerably, from a lower 10th percentile earning $85,736 to the 90th percentile making $218,603. These estimates, drawn from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, emphasize not just the financial rewards but also the demand and pressure in this critical field. Understanding the salary landscape in Minnetonka can influence career decisions for both aspiring and current air traffic controllers as they navigate their professional journeys.
About the Minnetonka Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,736 | $41.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,721 | $51.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,821 | $71.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,211 | $90.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,603 | $105.09 |
Median Salary Position
2.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minnetonka
In Minnetonka, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,867 (2026 est.). At $147,821, the local median is 2.68% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Minnetonka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Minnetonka Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Minnetonka median: $147,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minnetonka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,616 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.68% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Minnetonka, MN earn a median of $147,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.68% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $149,616.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minnetonka 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.
Minnetonka, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,821 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,072 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,698
2025 BLS Actual
$144,117
2026 Current Est.
$147,821
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Minnetonka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,278 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,620 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minnetonka metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,698 (2019) to $144,117 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,620 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,922 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minnetonka 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) | $85,736 – $107,721 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,721 – $147,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,821 – $189,211 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,211 – $218,603 |
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 Minnetonka
The local job market features 12 air traffic controllers, reflecting a niche yet vital workforce. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, beneath the national average, the effective purchasing power for these professionals can translate to greater affordability and quality of life. Among the employers in the area, FAA en route centers frequently offer higher compensation compared to terminal control facilities or airport control towers, largely due to the complexity and demands associated with managing high-altitude airspace. Factors affecting the pay spread in Minnetonka include the type of facility, certification levels, and substantial shift differentials. Controllers can maximize their earnings by seeking employment in en route centers while being mindful of opportunities for overtime and holiday shifts. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, understanding these nuances can significantly impact how much do air traffic controllers make in Minnetonka, MN.
More salary data for Minnetonka, 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 $144,117 for air traffic controllersin the Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka 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