Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Akron, OH: $79,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Akron, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,612 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Akron's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,775 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,262) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level air traffic controllers in Akron, Ohio, are projected to be around $79,612 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the overall median annual salary of $137,262 for air traffic controllers in the area, it represents a solid foundation for recent graduates beginning their careers. Over the first few years, new controllers can realistically expect their salaries to grow, with potential earnings increasing significantly as they gain experience. The trajectory from the initial pay to the 25th percentile salary of $98,829 reflects opportunities for advancement. For those considering entering the field, Akron currently offers a viable market, especially given its cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average of 100, allowing for a relatively favorable financial environment for new professionals.
About the Akron Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Akron
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Akron, OH typically start between $79,612 and $98,829 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,211 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,262 — 9.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 47.73% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($79,612/year) in Akron. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Akron
- 1Research the Akron market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $79,612 to $98,829, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Akron, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Akron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Akron's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Akron is $124,211 ( 156.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,612, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,823.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,630
2025 BLS Actual
$77,617
2026 Current Est.
$79,612
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,015 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,189 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,658 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Akron, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,630 in 2019 to $77,617 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,658. New graduates entering the Akron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Akron
Attracting new talent, employers like the FAA prioritize entry-level positions through various hiring pathways, including off-the-street hiring and partnerships with institutions in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Candidates must meet specific criteria, including U.S. citizenship and age limits, as the FAA typically recruits individuals under 31 unless they are military veterans. Aspirants must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training before achieving full certification. With federal employment in this sector, controllers often see competitive salaries as they ascend the ranks. New graduates can anticipate realistic pay growth in their first year as they become familiar with the rigorous demands of air traffic control, especially in light of continuing staff shortages driven by previous budget cuts, which have increased the reliance on overtime for existing controllers.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Akron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Akron is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov