Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kettering, OH: $78,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Kettering, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,036 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kettering's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,037 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of an air traffic controller in Kettering, Ohio, the entry-level salary offers a promising start. In 2026, the projected starting air traffic controller salary in Kettering stands at $78,036, which falls significantly below the city's median of $134,545. However, this starting pay can increase as new controllers gain experience, with a clear pathway to the P25 salary of $96,872 within a few years. This growth trajectory is encouraging, particularly in a market where the demand for skilled personnel remains high. Kettering's current standing as a moderately priced city, with a cost of living index below the national average, may also enhance the attractiveness of these entry-level positions for recent graduates eager to establish their careers.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kettering
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 Kettering
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Kettering, OH typically start between $78,036 and $96,872 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,743 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,545 — 11.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 48.70% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,036/year) in Kettering. 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 Kettering
- 1Research the Kettering market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,036 to $96,872, 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 Kettering, 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 Kettering for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kettering'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 Kettering is $122,743 ( 157.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,036, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,779.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,292
2025 BLS Actual
$76,081
2026 Current Est.
$78,036
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,395 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,042 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Kettering, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,292 in 2019 to $76,081 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,042. New graduates entering the Kettering job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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 Kettering
In the Kettering area, the FAA remains the primary employer of air traffic controllers, closely aligning with potential applicants through various recruitment avenues. Those interested in this career should be aware that new controllers must meet certain qualifications, including U.S. citizenship, an aptitude test, and a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience. The FAA's paid Initial Qualification Training at the Academy enables new hires to transition into their roles effectively, typically taking 3-5 months. After certification, controllers continue to develop their skills with facility-specific training that may take an additional 1-3 years. For those looking to boost their starting pay in Ohio, pursuing additional educational qualifications and certifications can be advantageous. With mandatory retirement at age 56, new entrants to the profession can anticipate a career that offers long-term stability and growth, particularly as experienced controllers retire and the industry continues to address staffing shortages stemming from prior budget cuts.
More salary data for Kettering, 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 Kettering. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kettering 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