Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Findlay, OH: $75,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Findlay, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Findlay's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,773 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to become air traffic controllers in Findlay, Ohio, the entry-level salary is a critical consideration. In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Findlay is projected to be around $75,982. While this figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, it's essential to be aware that the median annual salary for air traffic controllers in this city is projected at $131,003. This creates a notable gap, indicating that as new controllers gain experience, they can expect upward mobility in their earnings. Over the first three to five years, it's realistic for entry-level controllers to progress toward the P25 salary of $94,322, reflecting the potential for significant financial growth as they establish their careers within the FAA system. Given the local salary projection and a workforce environment characterized by a growth rate of 2.57%, Findlay appears to present a favorable job market for aspiring air traffic professionals.
About the Findlay Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Findlay
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 Findlay
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Findlay, OH typically start between $75,982 and $94,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,445 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,003 — 13.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 50.01% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($75,982/year) in Findlay. 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 Findlay
- 1Research the Findlay market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $75,982 to $94,322, 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 Findlay, 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 Findlay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Findlay'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 Findlay is $107,445 ( 141.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,427.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,547
2025 BLS Actual
$74,078
2026 Current Est.
$75,982
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Findlay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,731 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,935 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Findlay, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,547 in 2019 to $74,078 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,935. New graduates entering the Findlay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Findlay 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 Findlay
In the context of finding opportunities as a new air traffic controller in Findlay, prospects for employment hinge significantly on understanding the hiring practices of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). New grads may enter the field through various channels, including the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships or through off-the-street hiring announcements. It's notable that applicants must be under age 31, with military veterans benefiting from specific pathways for transfer and reduced training. To enhance starting pay, candidates should obtain the necessary qualifications: U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, and success in passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). First-year controllers should have a strategic approach, recognizing that their position as federal employees places them on the FG pay scale. Those working in top-tier en route facilities can see a significant pay trajectory, which highlights the importance of gaining experience in a competitive but rewarding field—especially with the FAA's history of chronic understaffing that often necessitates overtime work to achieve higher totals.
More salary data for Findlay, 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 Findlay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Findlay 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