Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $98,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,325 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $95,833 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($169,526) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, aspiring air traffic controllers can expect a starting pay of around $98,325 annually in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for new entrants into the profession, establishing a significant gap from the median salary of $169,526 for all air traffic controllers in the area. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory that leads them from this initial salary through to approximately $122,058 at the 25th percentile over the first few years. With Hillsboro's competitive job market and its connection to regional air traffic hubs, it's currently a viable option for those looking to enter the field. Given the 2.57% annual growth rate in salaries, there remains a promising road for career advancement in air traffic control within the region.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $98,325 and $122,058 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $148,204 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $169,526 — 11.61% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 42.72% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($98,325/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $98,325 to $122,058, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $148,204 ( 150.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,325, experienced hygienists can earn up to $246,529.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$83,527
2025 BLS Actual
$95,861
2026 Current Est.
$98,325
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,852 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $83,527 in 2019 to $95,861 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,852. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
For newcomers in air traffic control, understanding the hiring landscape in Hillsboro is essential. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a pivotal role, actively recruiting through public bid windows for entry-level positions. Candidates must meet specific criteria, such as being under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. Partnerships with select universities through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) are also routes into the profession, alongside pathways for military air traffic control veterans through the Veterans Recruitment Authority. The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where candidates undergo initial qualification training, equips controllers with the necessary skills to operate effectively. Newly hired controllers should strategically focus on certifications and continuing education, as obtaining higher qualifications can enhance their earning potential. Over the first three years, besides the challenging work environment, realistic salary growth will significantly hinge on performance within the FAA's structure, shaping future compensation against the backdrop of a system consistently in need of staffing resources.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Hillsboro in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Hillsboro?
Is aviation school worth it in Hillsboro?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Hillsboro?
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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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