Air Traffic Controller Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $146,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $146,426/year (≈ $70.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $148,656 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Prior Lake, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $146,426, which is slightly below the national average of $151,886. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with earnings stretching from $84,927 at the 10th percentile to $212,794 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS state-level data and regional pricing measures, reflecting both the competitive nature of this specialized field and the economic dynamics of Prior Lake. Aspiring controllers can enter this career path through various channels, including completion of an FAA-approved program or military experience, typically progressing to full compensation within 1-3 years after achieving certified professional controller (CPC) status. Given the local job market conditions, including rising demand and a limited number of positions, there is substantial opportunity for growth in this sector.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,927 | $40.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,427 | $50.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,426 | $70.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,557 | $87.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,794 | $102.30 |
Median Salary Position
3.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,867 (2026 est.). At $146,426, the local median is 3.59% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prior Lake Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $146,426/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,567 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.59% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $146,426 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.59% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $149,567.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,426 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,656 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,569
2025 BLS Actual
$142,757
2026 Current Est.
$146,426
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,569 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,757 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,189 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,569 (2019) to $142,757 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,620 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $84,927 – $105,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,427 – $146,426 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,426 – $181,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,557 – $212,794 |
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 Prior Lake
The job market for air traffic controllers in Prior Lake is solid, with seven individuals currently employed in this critical role. Although the cost of living index sits at 98.5, which is below the national average, many controllers can still enjoy a fair take-home pay due to the structured pay scales and potential for overtime. Notably, those employed at FAA en route centers or high-traffic terminal radar approach control facilities stand to earn more compared to those in smaller control towers. The spread in salaries can be attributed to facility classifications, CPC certification status, and prevailing shift differentials, with overtime being an established norm. For controllers aiming to maximize their earning potential in Prior Lake, a strategic focus on obtaining higher-tier positions and taking advantage of mandatory overtime can significantly enhance their annual compensation. Ultimately, understanding how much air traffic controllers make in Prior Lake, MN, coupled with industry knowledge, will empower professionals to negotiate effectively and plan their career trajectories confidently.
More salary data for Prior Lake, 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 $142,757 for air traffic controllersin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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