Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Corvallis, OR: $94,636 (2026)

Employers seeking to hire new entrants to the air traffic controller profession in Corvallis primarily include the FAA, which actively recruits through both 'off-the-street' hiring announcements and partnerships with schools under the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Interested candidates must meet specific qualifications, such as being a U.S. citizen and under the age of 31, unless they are military veterans. New hires typically undergo significant training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where training is paid, followed by facility-specific instruction that can take an additional 1-3 years to achieve full certification. While initial salaries may seem conservative, entering this field comes with notable benefits, including federal employee status on the FG pay scale, a clear growth trajectory, and the potential for substantial earnings as one progresses to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. Strategic candidates might pursue additional credentials or training to enhance their prospects and starting compensation, eventually progressing towards top-tier facilities that command salaries upwards of $200,000 with overtime and shift differentials, driven by the current staffing needs within the sector.