Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mandan, ND: $127,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mandan, ND earns a median $127,021/year (≈ $61.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mandan's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $138,066 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Mandan, North Dakota, can anticipate a median annual salary of $127,021 in 2026, which reflects a notable difference from the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this profession locally spans from $76,223 at the 10th percentile to $175,369 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variance in pay based on experience and facility classification. These estimates were derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted to account for regional price variations. Controllers working in higher-tier en route facilities generally earn higher salaries than their counterparts in terminal and tower positions, pointing to the implications of certification and facility type on overall remuneration in Mandan's job market.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,223 | $36.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,013 | $44.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,021 | $61.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,350 | $77.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,369 | $84.31 |
Median Salary Position
16.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
In Mandan, ND, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,146 (2026 est.). At $127,021, the local median is 16.37% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mandan: You'd be above the median
How Mandan Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mandan median: $127,021/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mandan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $135,851 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -16.37% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mandan, ND earn a median of $127,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.37% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.50% below the North Dakota state average of $135,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mandan has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mandan, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $127,021 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,066 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,855
2025 BLS Actual
$123,838
2026 Current Est.
$127,021
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mandan metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $102,855 (2019) to $123,838 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,430 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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) | $76,223 – $92,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,013 – $127,021 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,021 – $160,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,350 – $175,369 |
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 Mandan
In Mandan, where only six air traffic controllers are employed, the labor market remains competitive yet influenced by a lower cost of living index of 92, which enhances purchasing power compared to more expensive regions. Among various employers, FAA en route centers, with higher pay scales, generally offer better salary opportunities than terminal or tower facilities. Factors contributing to discrepancies between salaries include the facility level (with en route being the highest), CPC certification status, shift differentials, and plentiful overtime that arises from staffing challenges. Controllers seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Mandan, ND, should focus on pursuing CPC certification, considering positions that offer night and weekend differentials, and taking advantage of available overtime while navigating mandatory retirement regulations at age 56. The local job market for air traffic controllers is stable, and those prepared for ongoing certification and adaptable to variable shifts may find rewarding opportunities in this sector.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
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 $123,838 for air traffic controllersin the Mandan 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 Mandan 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