Cleveland vs Youngstown: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Cleveland, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,726▲ | $134,315 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.54▲ | $64.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,101▲ | $77,903 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,643▲ | $96,707 |
| 75th Percentile | $187,810▲ | $171,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,062▲ | $194,740 |
| Total Employed | 57▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Youngstown is $12,411 (9.24%). 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 Cleveland spans $131,961,Youngstown spans $116,837. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($161,771 effective) pays 9.24% more than Youngstown ($148,087 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Youngstown if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Cleveland grew -1.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$144,480 (2019) → $143,050 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$116,730 (2024) → $130,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Cleveland or Youngstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Youngstown?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Youngstown as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Cleveland vs Youngstown?
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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