Air Traffic Controller Salary in Shoreview, MN: $141,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Shoreview, MN earns a median $141,724/year (≈ $68.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Shoreview's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $143,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Shoreview, Minnesota can expect an estimated median annual salary of $141,724 in 2026, which reveals a salary range that spans from $82,200 at the 10th percentile to $197,404 at the 90th percentile. This compensation model reflects the complex certification pipeline for controllers, often taking 1 to 3 years for individuals to reach full pay. Factors influencing this range include the nature of the air traffic facility, whether it is a terminal tower, a TRACON site, or an en route center. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost structures, indicate a competitive local market for air traffic control professionals in Shoreview, though salaries trail the national median by around 6.69%.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,200 | $39.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,042 | $49.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,724 | $68.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,568 | $85.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,404 | $94.91 |
Median Salary Position
6.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shoreview
In Shoreview, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,204 (2026 est.). At $141,724, the local median is 6.69% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shoreview: You'd be above the median
How Shoreview Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Shoreview median: $141,724/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shoreview Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,656 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.69% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Shoreview, MN earn a median of $141,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.69% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Minnesota state average of $149,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shoreview 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.
Shoreview, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,724 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,762
2025 BLS Actual
$138,173
2026 Current Est.
$141,724
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,069 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,499 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,366 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shoreview metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,762 (2019) to $138,173 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,366 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,604 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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) | $82,200 – $102,042 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,042 – $141,724 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,724 – $178,568 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,568 – $197,404 |
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 Shoreview
The job market for air traffic controllers in Shoreview remains tight, with only six controllers currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index at 98.5, the typical expenses in Shoreview are slightly below the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for those in the field. Most competitive salaries for air traffic controller pay in Shoreview likely come from facilities under the FAA, including airport towers and terminal control units, as these offer the best pay rates. Income disparities within this role typically arise from factors such as the facility type, controller certification status, and eligibility for shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Strategies for maximizing compensation in this local market may include pursuing higher certification levels and seeking employment at busier en route centers or actively pursuing overtime hours to supplement base salary.
More salary data for Shoreview, 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 $138,173 for air traffic controllersin the Shoreview 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 Shoreview 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