Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reynoldsburg, OH: $78,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Reynoldsburg, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,065 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Reynoldsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,069 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,595) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reynoldsburg, Ohio, new graduates entering the air traffic controller profession can expect a starting salary of around $78,065 in 2026. This figure reflects the preliminary earnings for entry-level positions, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $134,595. However, there’s a clear pathway for growth as one progresses from initial earnings to around $96,909 at the 25th percentile and ultimately reaching the median within the first few years of employment. For aspiring air traffic controllers, Reynoldsburg presents a favorable job market, characterized by a relatively competitive entry-level salary compared to other regions, especially with the anticipated annual growth rate for the field sitting at 2.57%.
About the Reynoldsburg Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Reynoldsburg
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 Reynoldsburg
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Reynoldsburg, OH typically start between $78,065 and $96,909 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,411 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,595 — 11.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 48.68% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,065/year) in Reynoldsburg. 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 Reynoldsburg
- 1Research the Reynoldsburg market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,065 to $96,909, 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 Reynoldsburg, 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 Reynoldsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Reynoldsburg'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 Reynoldsburg is $117,411 ( 150.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,065, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,476.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,316
2025 BLS Actual
$76,109
2026 Current Est.
$78,065
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reynoldsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,421 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,945 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,071 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Reynoldsburg, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,316 in 2019 to $76,109 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,071. New graduates entering the Reynoldsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reynoldsburg 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 Reynoldsburg
To secure a position as an entry-level air traffic controller in Reynoldsburg, applicants should focus on the hiring opportunities available through the FAA, which conducts regular recruitment drives for new controllers. Candidates must be under 31 years of age, unless they are military veterans, and they can also take advantage of partnerships with select educational institutions through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Essential qualifications include U.S. citizenship, completion of a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). While initial qualifications allow for placement in a job where the pay could increase significantly over time—given the potential for base salaries at higher-tier facilities to exceed $130,000—the mandatory retirement age of 56 means that planning for a long-term career will require strategic shifts. Staying informed about opportunities at major facilities and investing in continuing education can help efforts to maximize starting air traffic controller pay in Ohio and facilitate a rewarding career trajectory.
More salary data for Reynoldsburg, 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 Reynoldsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Reynoldsburg 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