Air Traffic Controller Salary in Livonia, MI: $139,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Livonia, MI earns a median $139,442/year (≈ $67.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Livonia's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $149,616 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Livonia, Michigan, air traffic controllers earn a median annual salary of $139,442, reflecting a diverse compensation landscape. This figure is slightly below the national median of $151,886, indicating how local demand and cost of living influence earnings. Salaries range significantly in this market, with entry-level positions starting at around $80,876 and experienced controllers reaching up to $196,507. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, capture the variance in compensation based on the facility tier. Controllers at en route levels typically earn more due to the complexity and responsibilities involved compared to those at terminal and tower facilities, shaping the earning potential in Livonia's air traffic control system.
About the Livonia Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,876 | $38.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,107 | $48.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,442 | $67.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,154 | $84.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,507 | $94.48 |
Median Salary Position
8.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Livonia
In Livonia, MI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,631 (2026 est.). At $139,442, the local median is 8.19% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Livonia: You'd be above the median
How Livonia Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Livonia median: $139,442/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Livonia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $141,565 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.19% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Livonia, MI earn a median of $139,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Michigan state average of $141,565.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Livonia 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.
Livonia, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,442 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,616 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,914
2025 BLS Actual
$135,948
2026 Current Est.
$139,442
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Livonia metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,914 (2019) to $135,948 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,112 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livonia 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) | $80,876 – $101,107 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,107 – $139,442 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,442 – $176,154 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,154 – $196,507 |
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 Livonia
Examining the local market reveals that there are currently 21 air traffic controllers in Livonia, MI, a figure that highlights the area's limited but stable employment opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the take-home pay for air traffic controllers may afford a higher purchasing power compared to other regions. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest compensation, while terminal facilities and control towers provide more modest salaries. Factors contributing to the range of pay include facility level, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant mandatory overtime, which is common given the chronic staffing challenges faced by the FAA. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Livonia, strategies like pursuing CPC certification, seeking positions at en route facilities, and being open to flexible shifts can be beneficial in navigating this competitive market.
More salary data for Livonia, 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 $135,948 for air traffic controllersin the Livonia 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 Livonia 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