Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Central Point, OR: $90,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Central Point, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,229 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Central Point's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,942 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,567) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Point, OR, recent projections suggest that new graduates stepping into the role of air traffic controller can expect a starting salary of approximately $90,229 in 2026. While this initial pay might seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $155,567, it’s essential for entry-level controllers to set realistic expectations. New graduates can anticipate significant salary growth over their first few years, moving from the entry-level figures toward the 25th percentile of $112,008 and approaching the overall median as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, Central Point represents a solid market for aspiring air traffic controllers, providing entry points for new talent to foster a career in this critical field.
About the Central Point Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Central Point
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 Central Point
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Central Point, OR typically start between $90,229 and $112,008 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,567 — 2.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 46.55% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($90,229/year) in Central Point. 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 Central Point
- 1Research the Central Point market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $90,229 to $112,008, 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 Central Point, 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 Central Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Central Point'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 Central Point is $119,779 ( 132.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,229, experienced hygienists can earn up to $210,008.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,649
2025 BLS Actual
$87,968
2026 Current Est.
$90,229
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Central Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,548 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Central Point, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,649 in 2019 to $87,968 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,548. New graduates entering the Central Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central Point 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 Central Point
Employers in Central Point primarily include the FAA, which hires new air traffic controllers through various channels, including public bid windows and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Applicants must meet specific requirements, such as US citizenship and age limits, which generally allow a maximum age of 31 unless they are military veterans. Credentialing is vital, with candidates needing to pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Additionally, controllers must prepare for ongoing facility-specific training to achieve a Certified Professional Controller status. Considering the chronic understaffing in the FAA system, particularly post-2013, controllers often find opportunities for overtime, which significantly contributes to their income potential. Realistic salary growth expectations during the first three years could lead new hires toward higher tiers of compensation, particularly as they establish themselves within the FAA structure.
More salary data for Central Point, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Central Point in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Central Point?
Is aviation school worth it in Central Point?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Central Point?
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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 Central Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Central Point 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