Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Dakota: $128,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median air traffic controller pay sits at $128,671/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 53-2021. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $138,654 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rapid City ($129,482), Sioux Falls ($129,430), Watertown ($123,078).
In South Dakota, the average median salary for air traffic controllers is projected to be $128,671 in 2026, which is approximately 15.3% lower than the national median of $151,886. Rapid City leads the state with a salary of $132,810, while Huron offers the lowest at $121,078, creating a gap of $11,732 between the two cities. This salary difference can be attributed to regional economic conditions, demand for air traffic services, and the volume of air traffic managed in each area. Currently, there are 97 air traffic controllers employed across the state, and South Dakota's job market for this profession is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.57%. Factors influencing demand include ongoing developments in regional airports and infrastructure improvements, along with the need to ensure airspace safety and efficiency. Licensing requirements in South Dakota align with federal regulations, but scope of practice laws remain consistent across the country. The overall outlook for air traffic controllers in the state suggests a steady need for qualified professionals, especially as air travel continues to evolve post-pandemic. Those considering this career in South Dakota should be prepared for varying salaries depending on location and local economic conditions.
South Dakota Air Traffic Controller Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $70,226 (lowest entry-level) to $201,097 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota air traffic controllers earn 15.28% less than the national median ($-23,215/year difference).
South Dakota Air Traffic Controller Salary Distribution (2026)
Air Traffic Controller salaries in South Dakota range from $74,634 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $185,157 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $128,671. The South Dakota median is $23,215 below the US national median of $151,886. The average hourly rate is $61.86/hr. Approximately 97 air traffic controllers are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$104,192
2025 BLS Actual
$125,447
2026 Current Est.
$128,671
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,919 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $104,192 (2019) to $125,447 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,786 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Huron | $121,078 |
| Vermillion | $121,264 |
| Brookings | $121,294 |
| Pierre | $123,348 |
| Aberdeen | $124,768 |
Best Value Cities for Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for air traffic controllers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $132,810 | 92.8 | $143,114 |
| Sioux Falls | $132,756 | 92.8 | $143,056 |
| Watertown | $126,241 | 92.8 | $136,036 |
| Yankton | $126,201 | 92.8 | $135,992 |
| Spearfish | $125,885 | 92.8 | $135,652 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $74,634 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $128,671 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $185,157 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | $132,810 |
| 2 | Sioux Falls | $132,756 |
| 3 | Watertown | $126,241 |
| 4 | Yankton | $126,201 |
| 5 | Spearfish | $125,885 |
| 6 | Mitchell | $124,977 |
| 7 | Aberdeen | $124,768 |
| 8 | Pierre | $123,348 |
| 9 | Brookings | $121,294 |
| 10 | Vermillion | $121,264 |
| 11 | Huron | $121,078 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore air traffic controller hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced air traffic controllers.
Explore More Air Traffic Controller Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for air traffic controllers in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota air traffic controller pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level air traffic controller salary in South Dakota?
How many air traffic controllers are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for air traffic controllers?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 air traffic controller compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more air traffic controllerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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