Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbus, NE: $75,105 (2026)

In Columbus, aspiring air traffic controllers can find job opportunities primarily within the FAA, known for recruiting new controllers through various hiring avenues such as the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and off-the-street hiring announcements, which typically target candidates under 31, unless they are veterans. To enhance their appeal and earning potential, future controllers should consider attaining relevant credentials, including a bachelor's degree or a combination of experience and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Furthermore, the first few years on the job are critical, as controllers may quickly see a rise in pay and responsibilities as they undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and facility-specific training to become fully certified. With the pressures of chronic understaffing in the sector, less experienced controllers might be able to secure overtime shifts that could further bolster their earnings in these formative years, while aiming to ascend the ranks of the FG pay scale and eventually reach positions offering significantly higher salaries at prestigious en route facilities.