Transportation & Logistics Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median air traffic controller salary in Grand Island, NE is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$115,399
vs State Avg
$-8,243
vs National
$-21,981
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median air traffic controller salary of $115,399, which is $8,243 below the Nebraska state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $115,399 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Grand Island spans from $68,880 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $97,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
$-30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $68,880
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $115,399
75th Percentile $147,000
90th Percentile $166,320

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$127,763
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$126,390
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$123,642
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$118,147
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $115,399 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $68,880 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,399, a air traffic controller in Grand Island earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Grand Island's median air traffic controller salary of $115,399 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $115,399 in Grand Island 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 Grand Island? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Grand Island 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.