Avon Lake vs Cleveland: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Avon Lake, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Avon Lake, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,911 | $146,726▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.02 | $70.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,608 | $85,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,588 | $105,643▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,708 | $187,810▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,820 | $217,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 57▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avon Lake.
The salary gap between Avon Lake and Cleveland is $19,815 (15.61%). Cleveland's median is -3.40% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avon Lake spans $98,212,Cleveland spans $131,961. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($161,771 effective) pays 15.61% more than Avon Lake ($139,924 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Avon Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,726/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,062)
- ✓Larger job market (57 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,771)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Avon Lake grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Avon Lake, OH
$110,294 (2024) → $123,731 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$144,480 (2019) → $143,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Avon Lake, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Avon Lake or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Avon Lake and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Avon Lake to Cleveland as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Avon Lake vs Cleveland?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov