Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hilliard, OH: $75,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Hilliard, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilliard's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,384 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,394) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in air traffic control, Hilliard, Ohio presents a fair starting pay for entry-level positions. In 2026, new graduates can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of around $75,629, which is notably lower than the city’s median of $130,394. This indicates a significant gap, but it’s essential to recognize the potential for salary growth. With experience, starting pay can realistically advance to $93,883 within a few years. Overall, Hilliard remains a viable market for new grads entering this profession, especially considering the state's lower cost of living index, which can help ease the transition into this demanding role.
About the Hilliard Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilliard
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 Hilliard
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Hilliard, OH typically start between $75,629 and $93,883 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,394 — 14.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 50.25% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($75,629/year) in Hilliard. 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 Hilliard
- 1Research the Hilliard market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $75,629 to $93,883, 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 Hilliard, 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 Hilliard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hilliard'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 Hilliard is $105,792 ( 139.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,421.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,247
2025 BLS Actual
$73,734
2026 Current Est.
$75,629
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hilliard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,637 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,573 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Hilliard, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,247 in 2019 to $73,734 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,573. New graduates entering the Hilliard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilliard 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 Hilliard
Several employers in Hilliard look to recruit fresh talent, particularly the FAA, which operates through specific hiring pathways. New applicants, including those from the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, have opportunities, yet they must be mindful of age restrictions, as applicants should be under 31 unless they are military veterans. Entry-level controllers must hold U.S. citizenship, complete a bachelor's degree or an equivalent work experience, and pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. While the initial stages may see salaries lagging behind national averages, especially given the FG pay scale for these federal positions, the potential for rapid salary increases is apparent. With persistent staffing issues post-2013 sequester, controllers can earn significant overtime, particularly in top facilities, where experienced controllers could see yearly earnings exceed $200,000. Strategically planning your career in these first few years can set you on a solid path in this high-demand field.
More salary data for Hilliard, 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 Hilliard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilliard 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