Air Traffic Controller Salary in Richfield, MN: $144,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Richfield, MN earns a median $144,104/year (≈ $69.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Richfield's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $146,298 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richfield, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is set at $144,104. This figure reflects the economic realities of a field often driven by overtime work, with many air traffic controllers logging 50 to 60-hour weeks at facilities that experience chronic understaffing. The salary range in this area spans from $83,580 at the lowest decile to $205,304 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential depending on experience and other factors. The data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional economic conditions, reveals that while the pay here ranks just below the national average of $151,886, Richfield’s specific job market demands could push salaries higher as staffing levels remain critical.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,580 | $40.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,739 | $50.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,104 | $69.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,951 | $86.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,304 | $98.70 |
Median Salary Position
5.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richfield
In Richfield, MN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,724 (2026 est.). At $144,104, the local median is 5.12% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richfield: You'd be above the median
How Richfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Richfield median: $144,104/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $149,640 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.12% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Richfield, MN earn a median of $144,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $149,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richfield has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richfield, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,104 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,298 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,689
2025 BLS Actual
$140,493
2026 Current Est.
$144,104
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,689 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,738 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,102 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,474 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,689 (2019) to $140,493 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,118 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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) | $83,580 – $105,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,739 – $144,104 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,104 – $178,951 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,951 – $205,304 |
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 Richfield
With only nine air traffic controllers currently employed in Richfield, the local market presents unique challenges and opportunities for aspiring professionals. The cost-of-living index in Richfield stands at 98.5, which suggests that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power could be more favorable than in larger metropolitan areas. Employment opportunities tend to be concentrated among various FAA facilities, including ARTCCs and TRACONs, which typically offer the highest compensation. Pay discrepancies arise from various factors, including facility levels, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and overtime availability, all of which can significantly affect earnings. Additionally, controllers can optimize their compensation by seeking positions in higher-tier facilities or pursuing overtime, especially given the ongoing demands from the FAA for additional staffing and support.
More salary data for Richfield, 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
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 $140,493 for air traffic controllersin the Richfield 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 Richfield 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