Air Traffic Controller Salary

Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Huber Heights, OH: $78,655 (2026)

Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Huber Heights, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,655 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huber Heights's local price level (BEA RPP 90.79% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,720 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,611) within a few years of clinical practice.

$78,655
Starting Salary
$37.82/hr
Starting Hourly
$78,655
Entry Level
$135,611
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Entry Level Salary in Huber Heights, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Huber Heights, OH air traffic controller entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the air traffic controller field in Huber Heights, the entry-level air traffic controller salary is projected to start at approximately $78,655 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's 2026 median salary of $135,611, it marks the beginning of a promising career trajectory. Over the initial years of employment, new controllers can anticipate their earnings to rise as they gain experience and achieve qualifications. By progressing to the 25th percentile, salaries could reach around $97,639, and as controllers refine their skills and advance, many will eventually align with or surpass the median salary over the first five years. Given the growth trajectory in this market and the ongoing demand for controllers, Huber Heights presents a viable opportunity for fresh graduates eager to enter this critical industry.

About the Huber Heights Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Huber Heights

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$78,655/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$97,639/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$135,611/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$168,981/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huber Heights

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Huber Heights. The median salary is $135,611, compared to the national median of $151,886.$70.8K$101.9K$132.9K$164.0K$195.1K$78.7K10th Pctl$97.6K25th Pctl$135.6KMedian$169.0K75th Pctl$185.8K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Entry-level air traffic controllers in Huber Heights, OH typically start between $78,655 and $97,639 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,61110.72% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Huber Heights metro area.

Return on Investment

$38,000
Avg OH Program Cost
$78,655
Starting Salary
48.31%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 48.31% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,655/year) in Huber Heights. 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 Huber Heights

  • 1Research the Huber Heights market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,655 to $97,639, 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 Huber Heights, 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 Huber Heights for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Huber Heights'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 Huber Heights is $107,140 ( 136.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,655, experienced hygienists can earn up to $185,795.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$66,817

2025 BLS Actual

$76,684

2026 Current Est.

$78,655

2019–2027 Growth

+20.7%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Huber Heights (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Huber Heights. Baseline $66,817 in 2025, projected to $80,676 by 2027.$64.0K$68.9K$73.7K$78.6K$83.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$66.8K$71.1K$70.3K$72.0K$74.5K$68.4K$76.7K$78.7K$80.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$66,817Actual
2020$71,149Actual
2021$70,289Actual
2022$71,961Actual
2023$74,503Actual
2024$68,356Actual
2025$76,684Actual
2026(current)$78,655Estimated
2027$80,676Projected

Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Huber Heights, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,817 in 2019 to $76,684 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,676. New graduates entering the Huber Heights job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huber Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Huber Heights

Employers in Huber Heights, such as the FAA, actively seek out individuals qualified for entry-level air traffic controller positions through various hiring pathways, including off-the-street announcements and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Candidates must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans. Credentials are essential, as applicants need to complete the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and possess either a bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant work experience. Successful candidates undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which is compensated, followed by further facility-specific training lasting from one to three years. While the starting air traffic controller pay in Ohio may lag behind the national median, the potential for rapid salary growth in a region where controllers can eventually earn significantly more—especially in higher-tier facilities—is worth pursuing. With the FAA experiencing ongoing staffing shortages since the 2013 sequester, new graduates can expect to find ample opportunities for overtime, boosting their earnings during the crucial first years of their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Huber Heights in 2026?

Entry-level air traffic controllers in Huber Heights start at approximately $78,655/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $37.81/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Huber Heights?

Most air traffic controllers in Huber Heights progress from the entry-level salary of $78,655 to the area median of $135,611 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $185,795 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is aviation school worth it in Huber Heights?

With a starting salary of $78,655/year in Huber Heights and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new air traffic controllers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Huber Heights?

New aviation graduates in Huber Heights typically start near the 10th percentile at $78,655/year, or approximately $37.81/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a air traffic controller in Ohio?

To become a licensed air traffic controller in Ohio, you typically need pass the faa air traffic skills assessment (atsa), graduate from faa academy in oklahoma city (3-5 months), and complete on-the-job training at an faa facility (typically 2-4 years to full certification). maximum entry age is 30. annual physical and psych exams required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Ohio, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some air traffic controllers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 Huber Heights. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Huber Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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