Transportation & Logistics Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median air traffic controller salary in Des Moines, IA is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$126,390
vs State Avg
+$4,122
vs National
$-10,990
Cost of Living
92%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $4,122 above the Iowa state average of $122,268. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Des Moines spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $126,390
75th Percentile $161,000
90th Percentile $182,160

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$130,511
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$120,894
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$118,147
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$115,399
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Des Moines

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Des Moines earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Des Moines's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $122,268. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Des Moines? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.