Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albany, OR: $96,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Albany, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,054 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($165,610) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Albany, Oregon, can expect a starting salary around $96,054, which, while substantially lower than the city median of $165,610, provides a solid foundation for an early-career professional. The starting pay reflects an entry-level position, but ambitious individuals in Albany can anticipate gradual increases as they gain experience, potentially reaching $119,239 at the 25th percentile and working towards the median annual salary within the next few years. With the projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, new entrants should feel optimistic about their ability to advance in earnings significantly, making Albany a favorable market for recent graduates looking for opportunities in air traffic control.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Albany
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 Albany
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Albany, OR typically start between $96,054 and $119,239 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $138,918 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $165,610 — 9.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 43.73% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,054/year) in Albany. 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 Albany
- 1Research the Albany market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,054 to $119,239, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, 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 Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Albany's moderate 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 Albany is $138,918 ( 144.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,054, experienced hygienists can earn up to $234,972.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,598
2025 BLS Actual
$93,647
2026 Current Est.
$96,054
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,837 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,984 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,522 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,598 in 2019 to $93,647 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,522. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 Albany
For those seeking to become an air traffic controller in Albany, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively hires through various pathways, including off-the-street announcements, which require applicants to be under 31 years of age unless they are military veterans. Graduates from institutions participating in the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) also have distinct advantages when applying. It's crucial to meet the required qualifications, such as being a U.S. citizen, holding a relevant bachelor’s degree or related experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Those who successfully complete their training—including a paid program at the FAA Academy—enter a field with robust starting salaries, significant growth potential, and a structured pay scale. The industry, represented by NATCA, faces challenges due to chronic understaffing, making it a ripe opportunity for new controllers eager to secure their footing in the air traffic control environment and ultimately aim for positions at high-demand facilities where earnings can soar well above the Albany entry level.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Albany in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Albany?
Is aviation school worth it in Albany?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Albany?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Oregon?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Albany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Albany 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