Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parma, OH: $80,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Parma, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,542 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Parma's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,800 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,865) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Parma, Ohio, it's essential to have realistic expectations regarding starting compensation. In 2026, the entry level air traffic controller salary in Parma is projected to be around $80,542, which falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $138,865. However, there's an opportunity for growth; as new graduates advance in their careers, they can expect to move up to the 25th percentile earning approximately $99,983, and eventually reach the median salary as they accumulate experience over the first few years. Given Parma's cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average, the starting pay is fairly competitive for recent graduates entering a demanding field.
About the Parma Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Parma
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 Parma
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Parma, OH typically start between $80,542 and $99,983 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,174 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,865 — 8.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 47.18% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($80,542/year) in Parma. 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 Parma
- 1Research the Parma market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $80,542 to $99,983, 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 Parma, 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 Parma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Parma'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 Parma is $116,174 ( 144.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,542, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,716.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,421
2025 BLS Actual
$78,524
2026 Current Est.
$80,542
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Parma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,688 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,612 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Parma, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,421 in 2019 to $78,524 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,612. New graduates entering the Parma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parma 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 Parma
When examining job prospects for new air traffic controllers in Parma, it’s crucial to understand the hiring landscape. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer and recruits both through public bid windows, typically targeting candidates under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans, as well as through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with select universities. New hires must also meet specific requirements such as US citizenship, educational qualifications, and passing the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Following successful application and training at the FAA Academy, which is compensated, entry-level controllers can expect to develop their skills over a span of 1-3 years, ultimately opening doors to more advanced positions such as Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) and the potential for significantly higher earnings that can exceed $200,000 with overtime in major facilities. Strategically, new graduates should focus on building experience and obtaining continuing education credentials to enhance their career trajectory in this evolving field.
More salary data for Parma, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Parma in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Parma?
Is aviation school worth it in Parma?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Parma?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Ohio?
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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 Parma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Parma 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