Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Maplewood, MN: $83,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,915 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,208) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Maplewood, the projected starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 is $83,641. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale and provides a realistic benchmark for new graduates entering the field. Compared to the city’s median salary of $144,208, there is a noticeable gap that underscores the progression potential within this career. Over the first three to five years, as controllers gain experience and certifications, they can expect to see their salaries grow from entry-level pay toward the 25th percentile of $105,943, ultimately aiming for the median as they build their skills and take on more responsibilities. Given the 2.57% growth rate, Maplewood presents a viable market for new graduates eager to kickstart their careers.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Maplewood, MN typically start between $83,641 and $105,943 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,655 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,208 — 5.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Minnesota of $42,000 represents just 50.21% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($83,641/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $83,641 to $105,943, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood's moderate 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 Maplewood is $121,655 ( 145.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $205,296.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,053
2025 BLS Actual
$81,545
2026 Current Est.
$83,641
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,053 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,659 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,197 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,545 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,790 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,053 in 2019 to $81,545 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,790. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
In terms of employment opportunities in Maplewood, the FAA is the primary employer of new traffic controllers, frequently announcing recruitment through public bid windows and partnerships with accredited Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs. Fresh graduates should be aware of the age restriction for applicants, as they must be under 31 unless they are military veterans. Credentials such as a relevant bachelor's degree or substantial work experience, along with passing the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), are critical in boosting entry-level salaries. After being hired, controllers will undergo paid training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, followed by facility-specific training that can last one to three years to attain full certified professional controller (CPC) status. Realistic salary expectations during the first few years will see steady increases, especially focused on maximizing overtime opportunities, given the FAA's ongoing staffing shortages since the 2013 sequester. This positioning within the FG pay scale reflects the career's potential for significant earnings, especially at high-demand en route facilities after gaining experience.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Maplewood in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Maplewood?
Is aviation school worth it in Maplewood?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Maplewood?
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Related Pages
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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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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