Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $90,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Coos Bay, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coos Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,761 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,247) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While new graduates considering a career in air traffic control in Coos Bay, Oregon, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $90,043 in 2026, this figure can vary based on factors such as location and employer. Compared to the median annual salary of $155,247 for air traffic controllers in the city, the initial earnings reflect a significant gap for early career professionals. New hires can look forward to consistent upward mobility, progressing towards the 25th percentile salary of $114,782 within the first few years, demonstrating a robust growth path in a field that maintains a strong demand for qualified professionals. Coos Bay offers a relatively appealing market for new graduates, especially as air traffic controller positions continue to hold strong potential, given the projected yearly salary growth of 2.57%.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coos Bay
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 Coos Bay
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Coos Bay, OR typically start between $90,043 and $114,782 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,195 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,247 — 2.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 46.64% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($90,043/year) in Coos Bay. 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 Coos Bay
- 1Research the Coos Bay market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $90,043 to $114,782, 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 Coos Bay, 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 Coos Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coos Bay'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 Coos Bay is $128,195 ( 142.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $218,238.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,492
2025 BLS Actual
$87,787
2026 Current Est.
$90,043
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,451 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,357 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Coos Bay, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,492 in 2019 to $87,787 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,357. New graduates entering the Coos Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay 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 Coos Bay
For those entering the field, understanding the hiring landscape can be vital to success. In Coos Bay, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer, actively recruiting via periodic public hiring announcements for candidates under 31, unless they are veterans. Engaging with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program can also provide pathways for new graduates who meet the FAA's educational requirements, such as holding a relevant bachelor's degree or demonstrating adequate work experience. To enhance their starting salaries, candidates should be prepared to pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and undergo subsequent training at the FAA Academy. Early career professionals should set realistic salary growth expectations in their first three years, bearing in mind that while starting positions may yield modest pay, avenues for overtime and advancement can significantly amplify total compensation, especially in more demanding en route facilities across the country. In this context, the prospects for competitive pay and career advancement make Coos Bay an attractive option for those entering the field.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Coos Bay in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Coos Bay?
Is aviation school worth it in Coos Bay?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Coos Bay?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Coos Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay 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