Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $195,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,588/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,358 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the financial rewards for seasoned air traffic controllers reflect a lucrative career trajectory, especially for top earners. The projected salary for the highest tier of experienced professionals, reaching up to $195,588 in 2026, significantly surpasses the median annual salary of $132,079. This stark contrast illustrates the considerable experience premium that can be garnered in this field. Achieving this level of compensation requires a mastery of complex skills and responsibilities, along with specialized experience in facilities such as en route centers, which dominate the highest pay tier market. Understanding the factors that contribute to achieving such a top air traffic controller salary in Cedar Rapids involves a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $169,062 and $195,588 per year (2026 est.). This $118,982 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $132,079 sits 13.04% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,079 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,062 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,588 | $221,151 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.08% 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 Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $132,079 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $169,062–$195,588 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids 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 Rapids 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 Rapids
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,588).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Cedar Rapids ($195,588) is 2.88% above the Iowa average P90 ($190,115).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,939
2025 BLS Actual
$190,687
2026 Current Est.
$195,588
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,491 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,687 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,614 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,939 in 2019 to $190,687 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 $200,614 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 Rapids 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 Rapids
Several opportunities for premium pay in Cedar Rapids underscore the potential for experienced air traffic controllers. Specializations such as en route and radar traffic management command the highest salaries, whereas terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and tower positions offer competitive compensation within the senior pay scale. The variance in pay is also influenced by employer type, with FAA en route centers often offering superior compensation packages compared to FAA-controlled terminal towers and military ATC roles. Advancement paths including transitioning from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) and, ultimately, to roles such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor reflect not only increasing responsibilities but also enhanced salary opportunities. Moreover, obtaining additional credentials and certifications, as well as taking on leadership roles, can significantly affect senior air traffic controller pay in IA, enhancing an individual's prospects in a competitive market.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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 $190,687 for air traffic controllers in the Cedar Rapids 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 Rapids 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