Transportation & Logistics Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median air traffic controller salary in Detroit, MI is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$120,894
vs State Avg
$-2,748
vs National
$-16,486
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $2,748 below the Michigan state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit'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 Detroit an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
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 Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$144,249
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$123,642
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$120,894
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$118,147
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Detroit

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan 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 Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Detroit

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Detroit

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Detroit, Michigan is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $72,160 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Detroit earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Detroit's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Detroit 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 Detroit? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Detroit 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.