Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dearborn Heights, MI: $141,448 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dearborn Heights, MI earns a median $141,448/year (≈ $68.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dearborn Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $151,768 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, are projected to earn a median annual pay of $141,448 in 2026, which is approximately 6.87% below the national median of $151,886. Salaries in this market vary significantly, ranging from $82,040 at the 10th percentile to $212,370 at the 90th percentile. This salary disparity reflects differing levels of responsibility and expertise, particularly when considering the tiered facility structure used in air traffic control: en route facilities typically supervise more extensive airspace and manage high-altitude traffic, resulting in higher compensation compared to terminal and tower facilities. The figures provided are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, which provides context for the salary figures in relation to the economic environment of Dearborn Heights.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,040 | $39.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,843 | $48.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,448 | $68.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,023 | $85.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,370 | $102.10 |
Median Salary Position
6.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,330 (2026 est.). At $141,448, the local median is 6.87% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dearborn Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Heights Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dearborn Heights median: $141,448/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,590 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.87% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $141,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $141,590.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dearborn Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,448 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,768 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,538
2025 BLS Actual
$137,904
2026 Current Est.
$141,448
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,538 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,458 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,834 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,162 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,448 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,083 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,538 (2019) to $137,904 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,083 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,545 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn Heights 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,040 – $101,843 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,843 – $141,448 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,448 – $178,023 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,023 – $212,370 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Dearborn Heights
A total of 13 air traffic controllers are currently employed in Dearborn Heights, MI, presenting a small but stable job market for aspiring controllers. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, living expenses are relatively lower than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of air traffic controller salaries in the area. The highest-paying opportunities are typically found within en route Level 12 facilities, while those in terminal Level 11 and tower Level 7 may earn less. To maximize compensation, controllers can pursue additional certifications, seek positions that offer shift differentials—particularly for night and holiday shifts—and capitalize on mandatory overtime, which remains prevalent due to staffing shortages. Understanding the distinctions in pay tied to certification status and facility types will be advantageous for current and prospective controllers navigating their career paths in Dearborn Heights.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $137,904 for air traffic controllersin the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn Heights 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