Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Medford, OR: $92,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,978 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,622 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($160,307) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as an air traffic controller in Medford, Oregon, the starting salary reflects a promising entry point into the field. In 2026, new graduates can expect an entry-level air traffic controller salary Medford around $92,978, a sum that sets the stage for a potential income growth trajectory toward the area median of $160,307. Although initial earnings may seem modest compared to the median, aspiring controllers can look forward to a realistic progression through the pay scale, reaching $115,421 at P25 and aiming for the median salary within the first few years of service. Considering the acute demand for air traffic controllers across the nation, including Medford, this market can be a favorable environment for new talent seeking career stability and upward mobility.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Medford, OR typically start between $92,978 and $115,421 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $145,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $160,307 — 5.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 45.17% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,978/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,978 to $115,421, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $145,885 ( 156.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,978, experienced hygienists can earn up to $238,863.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,985
2025 BLS Actual
$90,648
2026 Current Est.
$92,978
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,367 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,985 in 2019 to $90,648 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,367. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
When it comes to securing a position, the primary employer in Medford is the FAA, which recruits through various channels, including periodic off-the-street announcements and partnerships with select universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Potential applicants must be under 31 unless they are military veterans and must achieve U.S. citizenship. A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent mix of experience is required for entry, along with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Following initial qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, controllers spend additional time in facility-specific training, often lasting 1-3 years before fully certifying as a Controller-in-Charge. Given the industry's structure, strategic planning during the first three years is crucial; the air traffic controller pay scale ensures that even entry-level positions lead to significant earnings, and controllers can expect to see their starting pay increase steadily as they gain experience and are given critical responsibilities.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Medford in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Medford?
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Related Pages
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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