Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winona, MN: $197,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Winona, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $197,594/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Winona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,603 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winona, Minnesota, senior air traffic controllers command impressive salaries, with the 2026 median annual earning projected at $141,781. For those at the top end of the scale, the potential salary rises significantly, reaching $197,594. This gap underscores the experience premium, as top earners earn substantially more than the median. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience of seven or more years but also a combination of specialized training and certifications that enhance one's value to employers. In this local market, experienced professionals are increasingly sought after, highlighting the long-term career benefits in air traffic control within Minnesota.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Winona earn between $178,708 and $197,594 per year (2026 est.). This $115,361 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winona median of $141,781 sits 6.65% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Winona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,781 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,708 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $197,594 | $221,151 |
In Winona, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 39.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Winona
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $141,781 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winona employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Winona command premium compensation, often reaching the $178,708–$197,594 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winona 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 Winona 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 Minnesota 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 Winona
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinona ranks #40 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $197,594).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Winona ($197,594) is 12.75% below the Minnesota average P90 ($226,464).
2019 BLS Actual
$157,538
2025 BLS Actual
$192,643
2026 Current Est.
$197,594
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,538 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,097 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,641 | Actual |
| 2025 | $192,643 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $197,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,672 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Winona saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $157,538 in 2019 to $192,643 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 $202,672 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Winona
To maximize compensation in Winona, controllers should consider specializations that pay premiums, such as en route and radar focus or roles as terminal radar and traffic management coordinators. Employment at FAA en route centers, military air traffic control, or FAA contract towers can all lead to varying compensation scales; typically, en route facilities offer the highest pay. Furthermore, advancing through the career ladder—from developmental controller to certified professional controller and beyond—provides pathways to significantly increased salaries. To further boost earning potential, obtaining advanced credentials such as specialized training from the FAA Academy, as well as maintaining CPC certification, becomes vital. Factors like shift differentials, overtime availability, and locality adjustments can all affect total earnings at this level. Controllers in Winona must navigate these dynamics thoughtfully to achieve the highest levels of senior air traffic controller pay in MN.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Winona in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Winona?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Winona?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Winona?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Winona?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $192,643 for air traffic controllers in the Winona 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 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