Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jackson, MI: $191,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Jackson, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,762/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,753 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, an experienced air traffic controller can anticipate a robust compensation package, with top earners potentially achieving a salary of $191,762 in 2026. This figure positions them well within the high-end of industry standards, despite being slightly below the national top earner average. The substantial divergence between the median annual salary of $139,602 and the higher tiers illustrates the rewarding nature of progression and specialization within this career. To secure a place among the top earners in this market, controllers often need to focus on acquiring valuable credentials, gaining critical experience in high-stakes environments, and pursuing ongoing training to enhance their skills.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $174,258 and $191,762 per year (2026 est.). This $110,793 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $139,602 sits 8.09% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,602 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,258 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,762 | $221,151 |
In Jackson, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Michigan
MI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $139,602 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,258–$191,762 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Jackson with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Michigan who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Jackson
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #39 of 52 Michigan cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $191,762).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Jackson ($191,762) is 9.23% below the Michigan average P90 ($211,271).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,888
2025 BLS Actual
$186,957
2026 Current Est.
$191,762
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,888 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $174,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,690 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,888 in 2019 to $186,957 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $196,690 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Jackson
Senior air traffic controllers in Jackson, MI, can further enhance their earning potential through specific specializations and employer types. Controllers focused on en route and radar traffic typically see the highest financial rewards, emphasizing the importance of operational focus and experience level. Additionally, those working for the FAA at en route centers or TRACON facilities experience distinct differences in compensation compared to military ATC or contract towers. Advancement pathways allow seasoned professionals to elevate their roles from developmental controllers to facility managers, and certifications such as CPC provide opportunities for pay increases. As staffing shortages continue to affect the industry, overtime becomes a significant component of total compensation. Controllers in Jackson also benefit from locality pay considerations, enhancing their overall earnings as they navigate the complexities of air traffic management.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Jackson?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Jackson?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Jackson?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Michigan
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $186,957 for air traffic controllers in the Jackson metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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