Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Winona, MN: $68.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Winona, MN runs $68.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Winona's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Winona, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $68.17, which falls below the national median of $73.02. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this rate translates into steady compensation, providing a reliable income even while operating from the control rooms, radar facilities, or towers that characterize this profession. With an hourly range from $39.53 at entry-level to $95.00 for top earners, this pay structure provides opportunities for controllers at various stages of their careers. The estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the need for controllers to balance responsibilities across different environments, whether coordinating traffic in busy en route centers or managing incoming flights at local airports.
About the Winona 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) | $39.53 | $316.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.08 | $392.64 |
| Median (P50) | $68.17 | $545.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.91 | $687.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.00 | $760.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winona
Based on $68.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.17/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winona, MN can expect to earn approximately $141,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,802. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,726.72 | $11,816 | $141,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,636.03 | $7,089 | $85,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,090.69 | $4,726 | $56,716 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Winona) | $68.17 |
| 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 Winona, MN earn a median of $141,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $149,559.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.17/hr = $85,074/year (purchasing power: $86,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,789/year (purchasing power: $143,949).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Winona grew 20.4% from $55.20/hr (2019) to $66.46/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.92/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 Winona 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 Winona
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers reveals a different financial picture compared to those working full-time. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate results in annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet it offers flexibility that appeals to many in the profession. Additionally, those in per diem positions, often stepping in to cover staffing shortages, can accrue substantial overtime pay that raises their effective hourly earnings considerably. Controllers frequently work 50-60 hour weeks, which can result in earnings that surpass $100,000 annually due to overtime incentives. It's essential to note how hourly rates can differ based on the employer type in Winona—controllers at FAA-operated facilities tend to enjoy more comprehensive benefits packages compared to those employed at contract towers. With health insurance often factored into the compensation equation, controllers may choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for better benefits. By understanding these dynamics, air traffic controllers can better navigate their options in the Winona market.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Winona. 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 Winona 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