Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mitchell, SD: $112,652 (2026)

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

Mitchell offers a median air traffic controller salary of $112,652, which is $8,242 below the South Dakota state average of $120,894. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $112,652 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Mitchell spans from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $95,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,800. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$69,700

$-15,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$114,800

$-25,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$155,800

$-34,200 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$67,240	$72,160	$82,000
25th Percentile	$88,560	$95,040	$108,000
Median (50th)	$112,652	$120,894	$137,380
75th Percentile	$143,500	$154,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$162,360	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$67,240

25th Percentile

$88,560

Median (50th)

$112,652

75th Percentile

$143,500

90th Percentile

$162,360

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Mitchell

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mitchell

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

The median air traffic controller salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $67,240 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $112,652, a air traffic controller in Mitchell earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Mitchell's median air traffic controller salary of $112,652 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $120,894. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

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

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $112,652 in Mitchell 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 Mitchell? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Mitchell 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 Mitchell, South Dakota