Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $84,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Wilkes-Barre, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,438 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilkes-Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,692 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,582) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the starting pay can set the stage for future earnings. In 2026, new grads can anticipate an entry-level air traffic controller salary Wilkes-Barre around $84,438, which is notably below the city’s median salary of $145,582. However, this initial figure does offer an upward trajectory as new controllers progress in their careers. With experience, an employee could move from the starting salary to approximately $104,818 within a few years, potentially approaching the median as they gain certification and expertise. Wilkes-Barre proves to be a viable market, particularly with ongoing demand for air traffic controllers in the region. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 2.57%, the entry-level positions cater to promising prospects for those looking to build a career in this vital sector.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilkes-Barre
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 Wilkes-Barre
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Wilkes-Barre, PA typically start between $84,438 and $104,818 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,079 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,582 — 4.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Pennsylvania of $52,000 represents just 61.58% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,438/year) in Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre
- 1Research the Wilkes-Barre market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,438 to $104,818, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre is $120,079 ( 142.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,438, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,517.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,730
2025 BLS Actual
$82,322
2026 Current Est.
$84,438
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,252 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,608 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Wilkes-Barre, PA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,730 in 2019 to $82,322 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,608. New graduates entering the Wilkes-Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Employers recruiting entry-level air traffic controllers include the FAA, which has periodic openings for "off-the-street" applicants who typically must be under 31 unless they qualify via military pathways. Graduates enrolled in FAA-approved Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs may find entry points into the profession more accessible. To strengthen their competitiveness, prospective controllers should consider pursuing higher education credentials, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Additionally, the first few years in this field can significantly shape a controller's career trajectory, with many pursuing positions at top-tier en route facilities that offer lucrative salaries and growth opportunities within the FG pay scale. Realistically, entry-level controllers can expect salary growth in the early years as they achieve certifications, but it’s essential to keep in mind that mandatory retirement at age 56 and competitive hiring landscapes may influence long-term planning in this profession.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Wilkes-Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilkes-Barre 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