Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Faribault, MN: $197,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Faribault, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $197,942/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Faribault's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,956 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Faribault, MN, experienced air traffic controllers can anticipate significant financial rewards, particularly at the senior level. Projected data for 2026 indicates that top-tier earners, falling within the 90th percentile, could command a salary reaching as high as $197,942. Moreover, those approaching the top echelon in this field could potentially earn $180,155 at the 75th percentile. This represents a considerable gap from the median salary of $141,323, emphasizing the value of accumulated experience and specialized skills. To achieve such high compensation in Faribault, controllers may need to pursue advanced roles or specializations that enhance their marketability.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Faribault earn between $180,155 and $197,942 per year (2026 est.). This $115,974 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Faribault median of $141,323 sits 6.95% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Faribault | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,323 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,155 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $197,942 | $221,151 |
In Faribault, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Faribault
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $141,323 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Faribault employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Faribault command premium compensation, often reaching the $180,155–$197,942 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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 Minnesota 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 Faribault
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFaribault ranks #39 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $197,942).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Faribault ($197,942) is 12.59% below the Minnesota average P90 ($226,464).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,815
2025 BLS Actual
$192,982
2026 Current Est.
$197,942
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,896 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $192,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $197,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,029 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Faribault saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $157,815 in 2019 to $192,982 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 $203,029 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
When it comes to senior air traffic controller pay in MN, not all roles attract the same compensation levels, and specialization becomes crucial. Controllers who focus on en route and radar operations typically earn the highest salaries, while those who work in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) or airport traffic control towers may see slightly lower pay. Furthermore, differences in pay can be tied to employer type, with positions in FAA en route centers and terminal facilities often offering superior salaries compared to smaller contract towers. Advancement paths are also noteworthy; seasoned professionals can progress from developmental controllers to roles such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor, further boosting their salary potential. Additionally, advanced credentials can enhance earnings, particularly in an area with structures like the FG pay scale that differentiates levels within air traffic control. In this environment, significant non-salary compensation, including overtime options and shift differentials, adds to the allure of senior positions in the field.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Faribault in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Faribault?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Faribault?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Faribault?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Faribault?
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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 $192,982 for air traffic controllers in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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