Air Traffic Controller Salary

Lansing vs Macomb Township: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Lansing, MI and Macomb Township, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$143,346
$68.92/hr
Macomb Township, MI
$140,877
$67.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIMacomb Township, MI
Median Salary$143,346$140,877
Hourly Rate$68.92$67.73
Entry Level (P10)$83,140$81,708
25th Percentile$104,208$101,431
75th Percentile$183,482$179,914
Top Earner (P90)$217,558$210,002
Total Employed1921
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($143,346) and Macomb Township ($140,877) air traffic controller salaries.LansingMacomb TownshipMedian Salary$143,346$140,877Entry Level (P10)$83,140$81,708Top Earner (P90)$217,558$210,002US Median $151,886

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Macomb Township.

The salary gap between Lansing and Macomb Township is $2,469 (1.75%). Lansing's median is -5.62% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $134,418,Macomb Township spans $128,294. Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$83,140
P25$104,208
Median$143,346
P75$183,482
P90 (Top)$217,558
Macomb Township
P10 (Entry)$81,708
P25$101,431
Median$140,877
P75$179,914
P90 (Top)$210,002

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($153,805 effective) pays 1.75% more than Macomb Township ($151,156 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $143,346
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $153,805
Macomb Township
Nominal: $140,877
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $151,156

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($143,346/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($217,558)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,805)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Macomb Township if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Lansing grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Macomb Township over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+12.2%

$124,577 (2024) → $139,754 (2025)

Macomb Township, MI

+12.2%

$122,432 (2024) → $137,347 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Lansing or Macomb Township?

Lansing has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $143,346/year, compared to Macomb Township at $140,877/year — a difference of $2,469 (1.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Macomb Township?

Lansing air traffic controllers earn $68.92/hr while Macomb Township hygienists earn $67.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Macomb Township as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Macomb Township. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $153,805, Macomb Township = $151,156), job availability (19 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Lansing vs Macomb Township?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $83,140 in Lansing and $81,708 in Macomb Township. The Lansing area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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