Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $120,894 (2026)

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

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

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

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Grand Forks 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. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, 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

Percentile	Grand Forks	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$72,160	$73,800	$82,000
25th Percentile	$95,040	$97,200	$108,000
Median (50th)	$120,894	$123,642	$137,380
75th Percentile	$154,000	$157,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$174,240	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

Grand Forks

10th Percentile

$72,160

25th Percentile

$95,040

Median (50th)

$120,894

75th Percentile

$154,000

90th Percentile

$174,240

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Grand Forks

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota 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 Grand Forks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Grand Forks earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Grand Forks's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼

Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Grand Forks 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 Forks? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Grand Forks 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.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota