Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $181,615 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Cedar Falls, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $181,615/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Cedar Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,902 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned air traffic controllers in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the potential for lucrative earnings is significant. In 2026, top earners can expect to make as much as $181,615, with the 75th percentile also offering a strong compensation of $165,078. This demonstrates a substantial gap between the median annual salary of $131,590 and the upper echelon of the pay scale. It's evident that advancing to senior-level positions requires not only years of experience—generally 7 or more—but also specialized training and certifications that enhance one's value in a competitive environment. Those who climb to these heights are often in roles demanding exceptional skill and expertise, whether in managing complex traffic situations or overseeing operations at critical centers.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Falls earn between $165,078 and $181,615 per year (2026 est.). This $105,293 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Falls median of $131,590 sits 13.36% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $131,590 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,078 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $181,615 | $221,151 |
In Cedar Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Cedar Falls
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $131,590 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Cedar Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,078–$181,615 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Cedar Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Falls ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $181,615).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Cedar Falls ($181,615) is 4.47% below the Iowa average P90 ($190,115).
2019 BLS Actual
$144,798
2025 BLS Actual
$177,064
2026 Current Est.
$181,615
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,798 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $165,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,615 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,282 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Cedar Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $144,798 in 2019 to $177,064 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $186,282 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, specialized roles significantly impact senior air traffic controller pay, with en route and radar positions commanding the highest salaries. Additional areas, such as terminal radar (TRACON), military ATC roles, and traffic management coordination, are also noteworthy for offering competitive compensation. Compensation structures vary among employers, with FAA en route centers generally providing the highest pay, while FAA contract towers, which manage operations at smaller airports, may offer different pay scales. Career advancement is often marked by clear paths: from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), then further to managerial roles like operations supervisor or facility manager. Holding advanced credentials, such as those from the FAA Academy or military transition programs, can also elevate one's compensation in the area. Moreover, factors such as facility type, shift differentials, and locality pay rates can contribute significantly to total earnings, making Cedar Falls an appealing location for experienced air traffic controllers seeking top-tier opportunities.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Cedar Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Cedar Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Cedar Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Cedar Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Cedar Falls?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $177,064 for air traffic controllers in the Cedar Falls metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls 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