Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in McMinnville, OR: $94,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the McMinnville, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $94,364 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McMinnville's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,973 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($162,698) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as an air traffic controller in McMinnville, Oregon, new graduates can expect to see a starting salary of around $94,364 in 2026, which sets a solid foundation in an industry that typically promises growth. This entry-level pay is significantly below the city’s median salary of $162,698, reflecting the journey that early-career professionals are on as they acquire experience. Over the first few years, entry-level controllers can anticipate progressing through salary tiers, moving from the P10 level to the P25 bracket at $117,142, and eventually aiming for the median as they establish themselves in the field. Given the anticipated growth trajectory and the competitive salaries in related regions, McMinnville is currently a favorable market for new air traffic controller graduates seeking to start their careers.
About the McMinnville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in McMinnville
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 McMinnville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in McMinnville, OR typically start between $94,364 and $117,142 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,815 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $162,698 — 7.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 44.51% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($94,364/year) in McMinnville. 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 McMinnville
- 1Research the McMinnville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $94,364 to $117,142, 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 McMinnville, 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 McMinnville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5McMinnville'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 McMinnville is $130,815 ( 138.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $94,364, experienced hygienists can earn up to $225,179.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,163
2025 BLS Actual
$92,000
2026 Current Est.
$94,364
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,790 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in McMinnville, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $80,163 in 2019 to $92,000 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,790. New graduates entering the McMinnville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McMinnville 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 McMinnville
In terms of employment opportunities, the FAA is the primary employer in McMinnville, recruiting new controllers through periodic hiring announcements aimed at candidates who meet specific criteria, including age limits for new applicants. The process includes participation in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which can enhance early-career pay prospects and job placement prospects. Essential qualifications include U.S. citizenship and a willingness to undergo rigorous training and assessments, including the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Moreover, the FAA Academy training is compensated, providing a stable income during the transition into the workforce. In the first few years of employment, new controllers often see salary advancement under the FG pay scale, tapping into the potential for overtime and shift differentials available in higher-demand facilities. As controllers typically face mandatory retirement at age 56, those who thrive in the job can enjoy a steady ascent in earnings while navigating a shortage of personnel in the industry, particularly in the aftermath of the 2013 sequester.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in McMinnville in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in McMinnville?
Is aviation school worth it in McMinnville?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in McMinnville?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Oregon?
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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 McMinnville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McMinnville 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