Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$192,872
Top 10% Earn
$92.72/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$164,621
75th Percentile
$192,872
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Dickinson, ND — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Dickinson, ND air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Dickinson. The median salary is $132,888, compared to the national median of $151,886.$69.4K$102.7K$135.9K$169.2K$202.5K$77.1K10th Pctl$95.7K25th Pctl$132.9KMedian$164.6K75th Pctl$192.9K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Dickinson metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelDickinsonNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$77,075 – $132,888

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$132,888 – $164,621

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$164,621+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Dickinson 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Dickinson. Baseline $153,773 in 2025, projected to $197,828 by 2027.$145.0K$160.4K$175.8K$191.2K$206.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$153.8K$161.2K$162.2K$165.5K$175.3K$167.0K$188.0K$192.9K$197.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$153,773Actual
2020$161,151Actual
2021$162,207Actual
2022$165,529Actual
2023$175,289Actual
2024$167,041Actual
2025$188,039Actual
2026(current)$192,872Estimated
2027$197,828Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Dickinson in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Dickinson (90th percentile) make $192,872/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $59,984 more than the area median of $132,888 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Dickinson?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Dickinson is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Dickinson?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Dickinson include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $132,888, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Dickinson?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Dickinson is $192,872, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Dickinson?

In Dickinson, the gap between entry level ($77,075) and top earners ($192,872) is $115,797, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Dakota

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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