Air Traffic Controller Salary in Plymouth, MN: $148,058 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Plymouth, MN earns a median $148,058/year (≈ $71.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Plymouth's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $150,313 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Plymouth, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $148,058, slightly below the national average of $151,886. The salary range for local professionals runs from $85,874 at the 10th percentile to $210,022 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the pay potential that varies significantly with experience, certification, and facility type. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, offering a localized perspective on compensation in this demanding field. Given the typical timeline for a CPC certification taking between one to three years, new controllers in Plymouth may start at developmental pay rates but can anticipate substantial salary increases as they gain experience and certification.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,874 | $41.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,179 | $52.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,058 | $71.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,862 | $90.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,022 | $100.97 |
Median Salary Position
2.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
In Plymouth, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,148 (2026 est.). At $148,058, the local median is 2.52% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plymouth: You'd be above the median
How Plymouth Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Plymouth median: $148,058/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plymouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,553 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.52% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth, MN earn a median of $148,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Minnesota state average of $149,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plymouth 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.
Plymouth, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $148,058 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,313 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,890
2025 BLS Actual
$144,348
2026 Current Est.
$148,058
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,058 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plymouth metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,890 (2019) to $144,348 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,973 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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) | $85,874 – $108,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,179 – $148,058 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,058 – $187,862 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,862 – $210,022 |
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 Plymouth
With 14 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Plymouth area, the job market for this occupation appears stable against a backdrop of a cost of living index at 98.5, indicating that housing and other expenses are manageable on an air traffic controller salary in Plymouth. The local economy features employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, which generally offer higher pay due to their workload and responsibilities. Variability in pay can arise from factors such as facility tier levels, CPC certification status, and potential shift differentials. Those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Plymouth, MN, should consider pursuing positions at higher-tier facilities, actively seeking overtime opportunities, and understanding how locality adjustments may apply. As the industry grapples with chronic staffing shortages, the demand for controllers to manage increasing traffic may further enhance earning potential through overtime and additional incentives.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 $144,348 for air traffic controllersin the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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