Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The median air traffic controller salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.
Air Traffic Controller Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)
Cedar Rapids offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $1,374 below the Iowa state average of $122,268. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for air traffic controllers in Cedar Rapids spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience
In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Percentile | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $120,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,240 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Cedar Rapids
Education
Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Cedar Rapids
Browse open air traffic controller positions in Cedar Rapids, IA: