Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Maplewood, MN: $69.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Maplewood, MN runs $69.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Maplewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,520 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maplewood, Minnesota, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $69.33, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the significant responsibilities these professionals undertake while managing air traffic at various facilities, including en route centers and airport control towers. For those working on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, the financial implications are substantial; they can achieve a decent income while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range here spans from $40.21 at the entry-level to $98.70 for top earners, showcasing the potential for growth in this field. The diverse work environments range from dimly lit control rooms to busy airport tower cabs, each offering unique challenges and experiences that contribute to the job's allure for both full-time and per diem air traffic controllers.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.21 | $321.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.94 | $407.49 |
| Median (P50) | $69.33 | $554.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.74 | $709.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.70 | $789.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maplewood
Based on $69.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maplewood, MN can expect to earn approximately $144,200 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,192. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maplewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maplewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,773.08 | $12,017 | $144,200 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,663.85 | $7,210 | $86,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,109.23 | $4,807 | $57,680 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Maplewood) | $69.33 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Maplewood, MN earn a median of $144,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $149,594.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.33/hr = $86,520/year (purchasing power: $87,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,200/year (purchasing power: $146,396).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Maplewood grew 20.4% from $56.14/hr (2019) to $67.59/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.11/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Maplewood
Considering the earning potential in terms of part-time work, a 24-hour workweek for an air traffic controller could yield a substantial annual income that provides a competitive edge in Maplewood's job market. Many professionals in this arena are capitalizing on overtime opportunities that significantly enhance their effective hourly compensation—often working 50-60 hours per week amid chronic staffing shortages at various facilities. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Maplewood, particularly for those transitioning between facilities, can be negotiable based on specific training requirements. The type of employer influences the hourly rates, with FAA en route centers often offering different standards compared to terminal radar approach control facilities and smaller contract towers. Some air traffic controllers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay even if it forgoes health insurance. To maximize their financial outcomes, they should consider negotiation strategies that emphasize their skills and the value they bring to facilities, particularly under current staffing challenges.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Maplewood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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