Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cincinnati, OH: $139,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cincinnati, OH earns a median $139,741/year (≈ $67.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cincinnati's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.4), that paycheck buys what $146,525 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Cincinnati, Ohio, reflect a competitive landscape, with a median annual compensation of $139,741. This figure, while slightly below the national average salary of $151,886, highlights the local economic dynamics where controllers often work 50 to 60 hours a week due to staffing challenges. The salary range spans from $54,639 at the lower end (P10) to $180,851 at the upper end (P90), demonstrating the potential for significant earnings within the role. These figures are sourced from BLS data and indicate that while Cincinnati’s air traffic controller pay may not be at the national peak, the regional job market offers substantial opportunities for both current and aspiring professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,639 | $26.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,989 | $36.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,741 | $67.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,984 | $83.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,851 | $86.95 |
Median Salary Position
8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cincinnati
In Cincinnati, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,212 (2026 est.). At $139,741, the local median is 8% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cincinnati: You'd be above the median
How Cincinnati Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cincinnati median: $139,741/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cincinnati Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,812 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.00% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $139,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Ohio state average of $137,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cincinnati has a cost of living 4.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cincinnati, OH has a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,741 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,525 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.85% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,010
2025 BLS Actual
$136,240
2026 Current Est.
$139,741
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,676 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cincinnati metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 26.1% from $108,010 (2019) to $136,240 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,323 (32.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cincinnati 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) | $54,639 – $74,989 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,989 – $139,741 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,741 – $172,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,984 – $180,851 |
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 Cincinnati
Examining the local job market, Cincinnati employs around 80 air traffic controllers, providing a stable workforce in a region where cost of living is at 95.37, below the national average. This lower cost means that take-home pay retains higher purchasing power compared to more expensive metropolitan areas. While the FAA’s en route centers and terminal facilities typically offer higher pay scales, controllers at local airport towers also find competitive salaries. Factors influencing this range include the level of facility (en route facilities generally provide higher pay than tower operations) and the various shift differentials available. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should consider obtaining CPC certification, taking advantage of shift premiums, and consistently working overtime, especially given the ongoing staff shortages that contribute to mandatory additional hours. Understanding these intricacies of air traffic controller pay in Cincinnati, OH, enables professionals to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Cincinnati, 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 $136,240 for air traffic controllersin the Cincinnati 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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