Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Macomb Township, MI: $81,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Macomb Township, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,708 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Macomb Township's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,670 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,877) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking entry-level positions as air traffic controllers in Macomb Township, Michigan, the starting air traffic controller salary is set at $81,708 in 2026. This figure, while solid, falls significantly short of the expected median annual salary for the region, which is projected to be $140,877. New graduates can anticipate a gradual salary growth trajectory, moving from the entry-level figure through $101,431 at the 25th percentile towards the median within their first three to five years. With the local economic environment remaining stable and the ongoing demand for skilled air traffic controllers, Macomb Township currently represents a favorable market for new grads positioned to launch their careers in air traffic control.
About the Macomb Township Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Macomb Township
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Macomb Township
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Macomb Township, MI typically start between $81,708 and $101,431 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,294 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,877 — 7.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Michigan of $38,000 represents just 46.51% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,708/year) in Macomb Township. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Macomb Township
- 1Research the Macomb Township market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,708 to $101,431, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Macomb Township, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Macomb Township for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Macomb Township's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Macomb Township is $128,294 ( 157.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,708, experienced hygienists can earn up to $210,002.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,411
2025 BLS Actual
$79,661
2026 Current Est.
$81,708
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Macomb Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,411 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,755 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,011 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,808 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Macomb Township, MI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,411 in 2019 to $79,661 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,808. New graduates entering the Macomb Township job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Macomb Township 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Macomb Township
Employers like the FAA are pivotal in hiring for these roles, often offering opportunities through periodic public bid windows, especially for applicants under 31, aside from military veterans who have alternative pathways. Candidates must possess U.S. citizenship, meet the educational requirements, and pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) to qualify. Focusing on continuous education and credential development will not only enhance new grad air traffic controller pay in MI but also set the foundation for a successful career. After completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and additional facility-specific training, controllers may see themselves transitioning quickly to more lucrative positions, especially within top-tier en route facilities where total pay can reach into the $200,000-$300,000 range due to overtime and shift differentials, assuming natural career progression and expanded responsibilities.
More salary data for Macomb Township, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Macomb Township in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Macomb Township?
Is aviation school worth it in Macomb Township?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Macomb Township?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Michigan?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Macomb Township. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Macomb Township 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