Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sherwood, OR: $90,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Sherwood, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,193 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sherwood's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,907 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,505) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates starting their careers as air traffic controllers in Sherwood, Oregon can anticipate a starting salary of around $90,193 as projected for 2026. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $155,505 in the area, it represents a solid entry point into a lucrative field. Over the first few years, with experience and additional qualifications, an individual's earnings can grow significantly, with projections suggesting opportunities to reach $111,963 within just a few years. Overall, Sherwood presents a promising market for new graduates, offering competitive entry-level salaries in the larger context of air traffic control, particularly with the expected growth trajectory in a profession that is critical to aviation safety and efficiency.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sherwood
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 Sherwood
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Sherwood, OR typically start between $90,193 and $111,963 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,505 — 2.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Oregon of $42,000 represents just 46.57% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($90,193/year) in Sherwood. 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 Sherwood
- 1Research the Sherwood market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $90,193 to $111,963, 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 Sherwood, 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 Sherwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sherwood'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 Sherwood is $128,900 ( 142.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,193, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,093.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,619
2025 BLS Actual
$87,933
2026 Current Est.
$90,193
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,619 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,586 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,933 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,511 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Sherwood, OR grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,619 in 2019 to $87,933 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,511. New graduates entering the Sherwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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 Sherwood
Employers in Sherwood typically include the FAA, which recruits entry-level controllers through various pathways including the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and off-the-street hiring announcements, primarily targeting candidates under 31, unless they are military veterans. To successfully secure a position, candidates should focus on meeting essential requirements such as U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. While entry-level salaries in Oregon may begin at $90,193, controllers can expect their pay trajectory to improve significantly over the years. As federal employees on the FG pay scale, those who establish themselves can look towards lucrative positions at top-tier facilities, where total compensation can rise into the $200,000-$300,000 range due to overtime and shift differentials. Strategic planning during the first few years, amid challenges like chronic staffing shortages, is essential for maximizing earnings potential and advancing in this vital industry.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Sherwood in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Sherwood?
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Related Pages
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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 Sherwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood 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