Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dickinson, ND: $192,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Dickinson, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,872/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Dickinson's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,643 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Navigating the job market as a seasoned air traffic controller in Dickinson, North Dakota, can yield lucrative rewards, particularly for those who reach the upper echelons of their field. With a median annual salary projected at $132,888 for 2026, the potential for exceptional earnings becomes apparent as top-tier professionals command salaries reaching as high as $192,872. This highlights a significant experience premium; those who excel in their roles not only earn a substantial income but also distinguish themselves from their peers who earn median figures. Attaining these sought-after salary levels requires not just longevity in the profession but also continuous skill development, proficiency in specialized areas, and a commitment to ensuring safe and efficient air traffic operations in increasingly complex environments.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Dickinson earn between $164,621 and $192,872 per year (2026 est.). This $115,797 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dickinson median of $132,888 sits 12.51% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Dickinson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,888 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,621 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,872 | $221,151 |
In Dickinson, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Dickinson
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $132,888 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dickinson employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Dickinson command premium compensation, often reaching the $164,621–$192,872 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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 North Dakota 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 Dickinson
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDickinson ranks #4 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $192,872).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Dickinson ($192,872) is 0.58% below the North Dakota average P90 ($193,988).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,773
2025 BLS Actual
$188,039
2026 Current Est.
$192,872
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,773 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,529 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,828 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Dickinson saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $153,773 in 2019 to $188,039 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 $197,828 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
Specializations can greatly influence senior air traffic controller pay in Dickinson. Positions such as en route controllers at FAA ARTCCs, who manage high-altitude traffic, often command the highest compensation due to the complexity of their work. Similarly, those in terminal radar (TRACON) and tower facilities receive competitive pay, but adjustments in salaries based on the nature of the facility or employer type are notable. Additionally, deployment in military air traffic control can lead to a distinct career path with its own compensation scales, especially for veterans transitioning to FAA roles. A comprehensive career trajectory for controllers may lead from a developmental controller status to a certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond to senior leadership roles like an operations supervisor or ATC manager. Advanced credentials such as CPC certifications, combined with strategic shifts to agencies and facilities offering higher locality pay and additional compensation factors—including shift differentials and overtime—can further enhance prospects. Overall, experienced air traffic controllers in Dickinson can optimize their earnings by specializing, remaining adaptable in their career paths, and capitalizing on the demand for skilled aviation professionals.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Dickinson in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Dickinson?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Dickinson?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Dickinson?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Dickinson?
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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
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 $188,039 for air traffic controllers in the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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