Air Traffic Controller Salary in Minnesota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Air Traffic Controllers in Minnesota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$176,840
per year
Hourly Rate
$85.02
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+19% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#5 of 43
680 employed here

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Minnesota?

An Air Traffic Controller working in Minnesota earns a median salary of $176,840 per year, or about $85.02 per hour. That is 19% above the national median of $148,080 for this occupation.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $88,940 while the top 10% make $218,190 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $120,940 and $200,510 a year.

Air Traffic Controller salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$88,940$42.76
25th percentile (early career)$120,940$58.14
50th percentile (median)$176,840$85.02
75th percentile (experienced)$200,510$96.40
90th percentile (top earners)$218,190$104.90

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 5th out of 43 states and territories for Air Traffic Controller pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Virginia$191,820
2Illinois$181,560
3Georgia$178,420
4Colorado$177,380
5Minnesota$176,840

Working as an Air Traffic Controller in Minnesota

Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Minnesota pay ($176,840) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Minnesota?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Minnesota is $176,840 per year, or about $85.02 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $88,940 at the entry level to $218,190 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Air Traffic Controllers about 19% more than the national median of $148,080. Minnesota ranks 5th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Yes on pay — Minnesota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $176,840 a year. About 680 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Minnesota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Air Traffic Controller salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.