Pittsburgh vs State College: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,270▲ | $141,071 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.20▲ | $67.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,317▲ | $81,821 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,635▲ | $101,809 |
| 75th Percentile | $194,906▲ | $180,570 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $230,763▲ | $203,260 |
| Total Employed | 58▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and State College is $11,199 (7.94%). Pittsburgh's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $142,446,State College spans $121,439. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($156,335 effective) pays 7.94% more than State College ($144,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,763)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,335)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Pittsburgh grew 24.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in State College over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$118,980 (2020) → $148,455 (2025)
State College, PA
$128,174 (2024) → $137,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Pittsburgh or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and State College?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to State College as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Pittsburgh vs State College?
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