Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Barberton, OH: $62.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Barberton, OH runs $62.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Barberton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,481 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Barberton, Ohio, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $62.89, significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the realities of working in environments such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers, where controllers coordinate high-volume air traffic under varying conditions. For those considering part-time work, shifts of three days a week could yield about $3,690 monthly, while entry-level controllers may begin at $36.47 per hour, with top earners reaching as high as $87.86. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salaries, indicating the intricate pay structure within the profession. In a city like Barberton, with its cost-of-living index trailing the national average, the air traffic controller hourly pay reflects regional economic factors.
About the Barberton Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.47 | $291.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.27 | $362.20 |
| Median (P50) | $62.89 | $503.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.40 | $635.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.86 | $702.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barberton
Based on $62.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.89/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barberton, OH can expect to earn approximately $130,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,463. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Barberton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barberton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,515.43 | $10,900 | $130,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,509.26 | $6,540 | $78,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.17 | $4,360 | $52,321 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Barberton) | $62.89 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Barberton, OH earn a median of $130,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $137,830.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.89/hr = $78,481/year (purchasing power: $86,528).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,802/year (purchasing power: $144,214).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Barberton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Barberton grew 20.4% from $50.92/hr (2019) to $61.31/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barberton 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Barberton
Examining the earning potential for air traffic controllers in Barberton reveals notable distinctions between full-time and part-time roles. For someone working just three days a week, the annual earnings could plateau around $87,000, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who often exceed $130,800 with overtime factored in. Many controllers are likely to find themselves putting in 50 to 60 hours weekly, especially at understaffed facilities, which can push their effective hourly compensation well beyond the standard base pay. Additionally, negotiations for per-diem roles as well as agency positions often come into play during training and transient duty, impacting overall income. Division among employer types—including FAA en route centers and airport control towers—introduces variability in pay. While military air traffic control and contract towers may offer lower hourly rates, some controllers opt for the stability of government positions that include benefits. Understanding this balance can help prospective controllers make strategic decisions regarding their employment choices, especially in the context of Barberton's local job market.
More salary data for Barberton, OH:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Barberton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barberton 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