Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $126,390 (2026)

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

Sioux Falls offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $5,496 above the South Dakota state average of $120,894. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% 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 Sioux Falls spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$78,200

$-6,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$128,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$174,800

$-15,200 vs national

Percentile	Sioux Falls	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$75,440	$72,160	$82,000
25th Percentile	$99,360	$95,040	$108,000
Median (50th)	$126,390	$120,894	$137,380
75th Percentile	$161,000	$154,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$182,160	$174,240	$198,000

Percentile

Sioux Falls

10th Percentile

$75,440

25th Percentile

$99,360

Median (50th)

$126,390

75th Percentile

$161,000

90th Percentile

$182,160

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Sioux Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sioux Falls

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

The median air traffic controller salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Sioux Falls earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Sioux Falls's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $120,894. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼

Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota