Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Medina, OH: $77,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,001 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,896 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Medina, Ohio, the starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 is projected at approximately $77,001. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $132,746 for the area. New graduates can expect the potential for growth as they transition from entry-level roles—reaching $95,577 by the 25th percentile within the first few years. The local market is currently favorable for fresh graduates, offering a pathway into a rewarding profession where salaries can escalate with experience and certification, aligning well with the projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, allowing for substantial financial advancement in a very structured pay scale.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Medina, OH typically start between $77,001 and $95,577 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,224 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,746 — 12.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 49.35% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,001/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,001 to $95,577, 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 Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $112,224 ( 145.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,001, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,225.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,413
2025 BLS Actual
$75,072
2026 Current Est.
$77,001
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,980 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,413 in 2019 to $75,072 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,980. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
In Medina, new air traffic controllers can find employment opportunities predominantly with the FAA, which recruits both through public bid windows, commonly aimed at recent graduates, and through partnerships with universities as part of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). These positions typically require U.S. citizenship, adherence to age limits, and a solid educational background. Completing the FAA's Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City is essential and usually takes several months. Controllers begin at the FG pay scale, which differs from the GS scale, with potential for rapid advancement depending on performance and the facility's certification process. As they gain experience, they can expect realistic salary increases over the first three years, especially in light of ongoing demand and staffing shortages since the sequester period. This environment necessitates continued education and adherence to medical standards, ensuring that new controllers are well-prepared for the responsibilities of their role.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Medina in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Medina?
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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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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