Grand Rapids vs Sterling Heights: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Sterling Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,134 | $144,523▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.30 | $69.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,598 | $83,823▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,777 | $104,056▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,492▲ | $183,969 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,569 | $221,775▲ |
| Total Employed | 48▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Sterling Heights, MI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights is $389 (0.27%). Sterling Heights's median is -4.85% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $126,971,Sterling Heights spans $137,952. Sterling Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sterling Heights ($155,068 effective) pays 0.27% more than Grand Rapids ($154,650 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (48 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,523/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($221,775)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,068)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Grand Rapids grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Sterling Heights over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$125,263 (2024) → $140,523 (2025)
Sterling Heights, MI
$125,601 (2024) → $140,902 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Grand Rapids or Sterling Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Sterling Heights as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Grand Rapids vs Sterling Heights?
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