Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookings, SD: $118,147 (2026)

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

Brookings offers a median air traffic controller salary of $118,147, which is $2,747 below the South Dakota state average of $120,894. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $118,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Brookings spans from $70,520 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $99,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$120,400

$-19,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$163,400

$-26,600 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$95,040	$108,000
Median (50th)	$118,147	$120,894	$137,380
75th Percentile	$150,500	$154,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$170,280	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$70,520

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$118,147

75th Percentile

$150,500

90th Percentile

$170,280

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Brookings

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookings

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $118,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $70,520 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $118,147, a air traffic controller in Brookings earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Brookings's median air traffic controller salary of $118,147 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $120,894. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $118,147 in Brookings 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 Brookings? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Brookings 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 Brookings, South Dakota