Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brunswick, OH: $78,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Brunswick, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,131 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,312) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into air traffic control roles in Brunswick, Ohio, can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $78,121. This figure represents the P10 percentile, indicating that many new controllers may initially earn below the city median salary of $133,312. However, as they gain experience and skills, they could see their pay rise, potentially reaching around $98,575 at the P25 level after a few years in the field. This growth trajectory reflects a promising career path, especially considering the ongoing demand for controllers amidst a regional cost of living index of 90.7, suggesting that Brunswick is a favorable market for new entrants in air traffic control.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Brunswick, OH typically start between $78,121 and $98,575 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,595 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,312 — 12.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 48.64% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,121/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,121 to $98,575, 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 Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $112,595 ( 144.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,716.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,364
2025 BLS Actual
$76,164
2026 Current Est.
$78,121
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,473 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,129 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,364 in 2019 to $76,164 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,129. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Employers such as the FAA periodically hire new air traffic controllers in Brunswick via public bid windows, known as "off-the-street" opportunities. Candidates must be under 31 years old, unless they are military veterans who have additional pathways for recruitment. Aspiring controllers benefit from early career training programs, including partnerships with institutions in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To boost their salaries, candidates should ensure they meet the qualifications needed to excel in this field: U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). As federal employees, controllers operate on the FG pay scale, distinct from GS employees. In the first three years, while initial salaries may appear modest, the potential for salary growth as they progress through training, achieve full certification, and handle greater responsibilities is substantial, particularly given the high compensation offered at major en route centers.
More salary data for Brunswick, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is aviation school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Ohio?
Related Pages
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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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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