verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Iowa

Median Annual in Iowa
$90,790/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$43.65/hr
▼ 39% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Iowa

groups Employed in IA
120
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$103,450 #40 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in Iowa, explained

Air traffic controllers in Iowa earn a median of $90,790 per year ($43.65 per hour), which is 39% below the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $54,930, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $121,720. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Iowa.

Is $90,790 good pay in Iowa?

Adjusted for Iowa's cost of living (which runs 88% of the U.S. average), that $90,790 is worth about $103,450 in national buying power — ranking Iowa #40 for real pay (vs #41 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in Iowa

Entry level (10th pct)
$54,930
$26.41/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$90,790
$43.65/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$121,720
$58.52/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IA
Iowa (here) $90,790 $103,450
Illinois $181,560 $181,636 −$90,770
Minnesota $176,840 $179,313 −$86,050
Missouri $122,200 $134,556 −$31,410
Nebraska $111,710 $123,980 −$20,920

Air Traffic Controller in Iowa: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in Iowa?

Air traffic controllers in Iowa earn a median of $90,790 per year ($43.65 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does Iowa pay air traffic controllers well?

At $90,790, Iowa pays 39% below the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 120 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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