Brooklyn Center vs Duluth: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Brooklyn Center, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brooklyn Center, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,599 | $150,878▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.48 | $72.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,027 | $87,510▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,552 | $110,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $182,091 | $191,586▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,387 | $214,265▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 15▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brooklyn Center.
The salary gap between Brooklyn Center and Duluth is $4,279 (2.92%). Duluth's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brooklyn Center spans $128,360,Duluth spans $126,755. Brooklyn Center has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($153,176 effective) pays 2.92% more than Brooklyn Center ($148,831 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brooklyn Center if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,878/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,265)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,176)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Brooklyn Center grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Brooklyn Center, MN
$137,058 (2024) → $142,926 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$141,058 (2024) → $147,098 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brooklyn Center, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Brooklyn Center or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brooklyn Center and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Brooklyn Center to Duluth as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Brooklyn Center vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov