Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Grove City, OH: $78,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Grove City, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,965 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grove City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,062 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,145) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Grove City, Ohio, offers a compelling starting opportunity for new graduates aspiring to enter the air traffic control field. In 2026, the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Grove City is projected to be $78,965, which marks a notable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $136,145. Fresh graduates can realistically expect to progress from starting salaries around the P10 level to P25 figures of approximately $98,024 within their first few years. This growth trajectory is encouraging, suggesting that Grove City is a favorable market for entry-level professionals. With the projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, those early in their career can anticipate a solid increase in pay as they gain experience, making it an attractive prospect for recent FAA Academy graduates.
About the Grove City Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grove City
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 Grove City
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Grove City, OH typically start between $78,965 and $98,024 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,619 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,145 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 48.12% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,965/year) in Grove City. 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 Grove City
- 1Research the Grove City market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,965 to $98,024, 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 Grove City, 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 Grove City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grove City'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 Grove City is $108,619 ( 137.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,965, experienced hygienists can earn up to $187,584.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,081
2025 BLS Actual
$76,986
2026 Current Est.
$78,965
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Grove City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,081 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,566 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,994 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Grove City, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,081 in 2019 to $76,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,994. New graduates entering the Grove City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grove City 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 Grove City
Hiring for new graduate positions in Grove City primarily occurs through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), particularly during their "off-the-street" hiring announcements. These recruitment efforts typically target candidates under age 31 unless they are military veterans. Additionally, new air traffic controllers can also attain positions through the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities. Those entering the field should possess U.S. citizenship and meet educational requirements indicated by either a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressive experience. Completing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) is critical for aspiring controllers. After that, candidates go through Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, followed by facility-specific training, which can extend for 1-3 years before they certify as full Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). This structured pathway allows for salary growth that can lead experienced controllers in high-demand centers to earn substantially higher pay, illustrating that initial positions can turn into promising, long-term careers.
More salary data for Grove City, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Grove City in 2026?
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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 Grove City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grove City 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