Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $193,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Grand Forks, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $193,303/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Grand Forks's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,112 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned air traffic controllers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, can anticipate significantly lucrative compensation, with top earners achieving a remarkable projected annual salary of $193,303. This top-tier pay reflects a substantial gap between the median salary of $136,672 and those at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for substantial financial rewards for experienced professionals. To reach this pinnacle of earnings, controllers must typically invest at least seven years honing their skills, often specializing in high-demand areas such as en route and radar operations, which command higher pay. With Grand Forks’ competitive rates, particularly for those at the senior level, the promise of financial growth aligns well with the increasing complexities and responsibilities faced by controllers as they advance their careers.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Grand Forks earn between $174,940 and $193,303 per year (2026 est.). This $114,033 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grand Forks median of $136,672 sits 10.02% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Grand Forks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,672 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,940 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $193,303 | $221,151 |
In Grand Forks, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.44% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Grand Forks
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $136,672 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grand Forks employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Grand Forks command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,940–$193,303 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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 North Dakota 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 Grand Forks
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrand Forks ranks #3 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $193,303).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Grand Forks ($193,303) is 0.35% below the North Dakota average P90 ($193,988).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,117
2025 BLS Actual
$188,460
2026 Current Est.
$193,303
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,117 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $193,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $198,271 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Grand Forks saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $154,117 in 2019 to $188,460 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 $198,271 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Navigating the intricate world of air traffic control in Grand Forks requires not only expertise but also strategic career decisions. Controllers focusing on advanced specializations like en route/radar positions or roles in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) can secure higher salaries, well above the median for senior air traffic controller pay in ND. Differences in pay also hinge on the employing entities; FAA en route centers typically offer better compensation compared to FAA contract towers or military positions. Controllers often follow a structured career path that leads from developmental controller to roles such as traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor, all of which come with increased responsibility and pay. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, including FAA certifications, can further augment an individual's earning potential. Factors such as facility level, CPC certification, and recurring shift differentials can significantly influence the total compensation package, making strategic moves vital for maximizing one’s financial growth within the industry.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Grand Forks in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Grand Forks?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Grand Forks?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Grand Forks?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Grand Forks?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 $188,460 for air traffic controllers in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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