Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pierre, SD: $123,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pierre, SD earns a median $123,348/year (≈ $59.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $132,918 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $123,348 in 2026, which reflects the economic landscape for this profession. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with entry-level controllers earning approximately $71,542, while experienced professionals can achieve earnings up to $171,801. These figures are city-specific estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities. As the need for air traffic operations continues to grow, those considering a career here may find promising job opportunities in Douglas County’s air traffic control sector.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,542 | $34.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,931 | $44.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,348 | $59.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,276 | $75.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,801 | $82.60 |
Median Salary Position
18.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,259 (2026 est.). At $123,348, the local median is 18.79% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pierre median: $123,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $131,221 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.79% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pierre, SD earn a median of $123,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.79% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $131,221.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $123,348 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,918 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,881
2025 BLS Actual
$120,257
2026 Current Est.
$123,348
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,881 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,567 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,518 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,881 (2019) to $120,257 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,518 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,637 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $71,542 – $92,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,931 – $123,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,348 – $156,276 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,276 – $171,801 |
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 Pierre
The local air traffic controller job market is relatively small, with only four controllers currently employed in the area. Additionally, the cost of living index in Pierre is at 92.8, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in more urban locations. Most competitive salaries for air traffic controllers in Pierre are typically offered by FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, although the specific earnings can greatly depend on the facility level and certification status. Factors like shift differentials, overtime availability, and locality pay can also influence salaries, providing developmental controllers with a pathway to increase their earnings over time. By understanding these dynamics and strategically pursuing continued training and certifications, emerging air traffic controllers in Pierre can maximize their pay potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 $120,257 for air traffic controllersin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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