Transportation & Logistics Minneapolis, MN Pop. 429,954

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The median air traffic controller salary in Minneapolis, MN is $144,249 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.2% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$144,249
vs State Avg
+$10,990
vs National
+$6,869
Cost of Living
105%

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

Minneapolis offers a median air traffic controller salary of $144,249, which is $10,990 above the Minnesota state average of $133,259. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Minneapolis pays above average for this role.

Minneapolis's cost of living is 105% 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 Minneapolis spans from $86,100 at the 10th percentile to $207,900 at the 90th percentile — a $121,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,250, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,500. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Minneapolis by Experience

In Minneapolis, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $89,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,000
+$7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Minneapolis, MN

Percentile Minneapolis
10th Percentile $86,100
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $144,249
75th Percentile $183,750
90th Percentile $207,900

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Bloomington, MN
$140,128
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$137,380
Pop. 311,527
Rochester, MN
$134,632
Pop. 121,395
Duluth, MN
$123,642
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Minneapolis

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Minneapolis

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Minneapolis, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Minneapolis

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $144,249 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $86,100 (10th percentile) to $207,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Minneapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,249, a air traffic controller in Minneapolis earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Minneapolis's median air traffic controller salary of $144,249 is 8.2% above the Minnesota state average of $133,259. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $144,249 in Minneapolis has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Minneapolis? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Minneapolis 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.