Air Traffic Controller Salary in St. Cloud, MN: $148,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in St. Cloud, MN earns a median $148,508/year (≈ $71.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in St. Cloud's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $150,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Cloud, Minnesota, the projected median air traffic controller salary for 2026 stands at $148,508, closely trailing the national median of $151,886. The local salary range paints a diverse picture, from $86,134 at the lower end (P10) to an upper tier of $220,617 (P90). To understand these figures, one must consider the economics of overtime, as controllers often work 50 to 60 hours a week due to staffing shortages. These circumstances can significantly boost earnings, making the compensation landscape for air traffic controllers in St. Cloud competitive and reflective of the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
About the St. Cloud Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,134 | $41.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,049 | $52.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,508 | $71.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,089 | $90.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,617 | $106.07 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Cloud
In St. Cloud, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,483 (2026 est.). At $148,508, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Cloud: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Cloud Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
St. Cloud median: $148,508/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Cloud Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,555 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.22% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in St. Cloud, MN earn a median of $148,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $149,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Cloud 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.
St. Cloud, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $148,508 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,770 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,255
2025 BLS Actual
$144,787
2026 Current Est.
$148,508
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in St. Cloud (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Cloud metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,255 (2019) to $144,787 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,070 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Cloud 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) | $86,134 – $109,049 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,049 – $148,508 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,508 – $189,089 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,089 – $220,617 |
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 St. Cloud
Currently, twelve air traffic controllers are employed in the St. Cloud area, which translates to a tightly knit job market. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, wages may seem less favorable when evaluating purchasing power. Key employers in the region include FAA air traffic control towers and potential military positions, with pay varying significantly based on facility type and certification status. Controllers working in en route centers generally earn more due to their greater responsibility and complexity. Given the facility-grade pay structure, attaining the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status is vital for maximizing earnings, alongside consistently capitalizing on overtime opportunities, shift differentials, and incentives offered during high-demand periods. Strategies such as pursuing advocacy through NATCA membership and remaining flexible with scheduling can further augment potential pay for air traffic controllers in St. Cloud, MN.
More salary data for St. Cloud, 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 $144,787 for air traffic controllersin the St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud 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