Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Holland, MI: $190,666 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Holland, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,666/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Holland's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,577 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$190,666
Top 10% Earn
$91.67/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$171,809
75th Percentile
$190,666
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Holland, MI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Holland, MI air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Holland, Michigan, seasoned air traffic controllers can achieve remarkable salaries, with top-tier earnings reaching up to $190,666 in 2026. This high level of compensation is particularly enticing given the significant experience premium, where the median annual salary of $135,273 represents only a fraction of what the top earners achieve. Advancing to this premier tier often requires not just years of service—typically 7 years or more—but also a well-rounded skill set, including specialized training and successful completion of critical FAA certifications. Mastery in high-demand specialties such as en route radar or international traffic management can further elevate one's earning potential, setting professionals on a path that not only meets but exceeds industry norms, especially when compared to national figures.

About the Holland Market

Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Holland. The median salary is $135,273, compared to the national median of $151,886.$70.6K$103.0K$135.4K$167.8K$200.2K$78.5K10th Pctl$98.0K25th Pctl$135.3KMedian$171.8K75th Pctl$190.7K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Holland earn between $171,809 and $190,666 per year (2026 est.). This $112,207 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Holland median of $135,273 sits 10.94% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Holland metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelHollandNational
Median (P50)$135,273$151,886
75th Percentile$171,809$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$190,666$221,151

In Holland, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Holland

1

Advanced Certifications in Michigan

MI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $135,273 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Holland employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Holland command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,809–$190,666 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Holland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Holland with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Air Traffic Controllers in Michigan 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 Holland

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$78,459 – $135,273

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$135,273 – $171,809

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$171,809+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Holland ranks #42 of 52 Michigan cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $190,666).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Holland ($190,666) is 9.75% below the Michigan average P90 ($211,271).

2019 BLS Actual

$152,015

2025 BLS Actual

$185,889

2026 Current Est.

$190,666

2019–2027 Growth

+28.6%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Holland (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Holland. Baseline $152,015 in 2025, projected to $195,566 by 2027.$143.3K$158.5K$173.8K$189.0K$204.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$152.0K$159.3K$160.4K$163.6K$173.3K$165.6K$185.9K$190.7K$195.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$152,015Actual
2020$159,309Actual
2021$160,352Actual
2022$163,637Actual
2023$173,284Actual
2024$165,620Actual
2025$185,889Actual
2026(current)$190,666Estimated
2027$195,566Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Holland saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,015 in 2019 to $185,889 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 $195,566 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Holland

At the senior level, specialized skills command higher earnings, particularly in en route facilities like FAA air traffic control centers, where operational intricacies demand an elevated level of expertise. Various factors influence salary structures, including employer type; FAA en route centers generally offer higher pay compared to terminal towers or military ATC roles. The progression from developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) offers clear pathways for career advancement, while becoming a traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, holding advanced certifications and meeting strict FAA qualifications—including citizenship and physical fitness—can distinguish candidates in a competitive field. While the median pay in Holland sits below the national average, senior controllers in MI still benefit from additional locale adjustments, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities as industry demand persists, especially in light of ongoing workforce challenges following recent budget cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Holland in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Holland (90th percentile) make $190,666/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $55,393 more than the area median of $135,273 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Holland?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Holland is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Holland?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Holland include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $135,273, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Holland?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Holland is $190,666, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Holland?

In Holland, the gap between entry level ($78,459) and top earners ($190,666) is $112,207, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Michigan

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 $185,889 for air traffic controllers in the Holland 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 Holland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: