Air Traffic Controller Salary in Shakopee, MN: $144,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Shakopee, MN earns a median $144,905/year (≈ $69.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Shakopee's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $147,112 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Shakopee, MN, command a median annual salary of $144,905, reflecting a relatively competitive wage compared to national standards, where the median is $151,886. The salary range for controllers in the area spans from $84,666 at the lower end to $199,069 for those at the higher end, indicating various levels of experience and responsibilities. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. New controllers transitioning through the development timelines typically achieve full pay in one to three years, based on their progression through the facility tiers and CPC certification status, which plays a central role in their salary adjustments.
About the Shakopee Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,666 | $40.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,302 | $51.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,905 | $69.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,890 | $86.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,069 | $95.71 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shakopee
In Shakopee, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,403 (2026 est.). At $144,905, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shakopee: You'd be above the median
How Shakopee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Shakopee median: $144,905/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shakopee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,540 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.60% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Shakopee, MN earn a median of $144,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Minnesota state average of $149,540.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shakopee 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.
Shakopee, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,905 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,112 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$117,337
2025 BLS Actual
$141,274
2026 Current Est.
$144,905
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shakopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,337 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,629 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shakopee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,337 (2019) to $141,274 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,629 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,292 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shakopee 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) | $84,666 – $107,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,302 – $144,905 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,905 – $180,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,890 – $199,069 |
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 Shakopee
Currently, Shakopee's air traffic control job market employs 11 controllers, providing a tight-knit community yet reflecting a growth potential aligned with the 2.57% annual growth rate projected over the next five years. The local cost of living index stands at 98.5, which is slightly below the national average, granting controllers advantageous purchasing power. While the FAA handles various tiers of air traffic facilities, controllers in Shakopee may find the most competitive pay with FAA en route centers, which oversee high-altitude traffic. Factors such as the facility's level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials heavily influence pay variance. To optimize their earnings, incoming controllers should consider pursuing positions in busier hub areas, seeking opportunities for overtime, and riding the growth trajectory provided by the current staffing climate in the Aviation sector.
More salary data for Shakopee, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Shakopee, MN in 2026?
Is Shakopee, MN a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Shakopee?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Shakopee?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Shakopee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $141,274 for air traffic controllersin the Shakopee 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 Shakopee 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