Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fairfield, OH: $76,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Fairfield, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,739 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairfield's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic controller field in Fairfield, Ohio can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $76,739. This figure represents the bottom 10% of earners in the profession and indicates a salary that is substantially below the median of $132,308 for all air traffic controllers in the city, creating a noticeable gap for those just beginning their careers. However, there's potential for rapid salary growth, with projected earnings reaching around $96,620 upon reaching the 25th percentile within a few years. This trajectory makes Fairfield a viable location for emerging air traffic controllers, especially when considering that with experience and training, one can advance not only through the ranks but also significantly increase their earnings over the first 3-5 years.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairfield
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 Fairfield
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Fairfield, OH typically start between $76,739 and $96,620 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,374 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,308 — 12.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 49.52% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($76,739/year) in Fairfield. 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 Fairfield
- 1Research the Fairfield market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $76,739 to $96,620, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairfield'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 Fairfield is $115,374 ( 150.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,739, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,113.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,190
2025 BLS Actual
$74,816
2026 Current Est.
$76,739
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,416 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,711 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Fairfield, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,190 in 2019 to $74,816 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,711. New graduates entering the Fairfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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 Fairfield
In the competitive job market for air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a key employer in Fairfield, often hiring new graduates through open bid windows or its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partners. Aspiring controllers must meet certain criteria, including being a U.S. citizen under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans, and completing both academic and FAA-specific training. The initial qualification takes place at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training is compensated. For those seeking to enhance their starting air traffic controller salary in Fairfield, education plays a vital role, with a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience being prerequisites. Given the pressing demand for controllers fueled by recent chronic understaffing, particularly after the 2013 sequester, new recruits may find favorable conditions for salary negotiation and career advancement early in their tenure. In the first few years, an entry-level controller could see their salary gradually increase as they gain experience and move toward full certification, especially in higher-paying en route facilities. Such early strategic moves are essential in a profession where the average retirement age is 56, compelling controllers to maximize their earnings during their active years.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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