Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cleveland, OH: $146,726 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cleveland, OH earns a median $146,726/year (≈ $70.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $161,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Cleveland, Ohio, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $146,726, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this profession spans from $85,101 at the 10th percentile to $217,062 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price factors, reflecting local economic realities. For air traffic controllers, achieving full pay typically occurs within one to three years after gaining certified professional controller (CPC) status, impacting overall lifetime earnings. This dynamic emphasizes the importance of both career development and the local job market, particularly for those looking to establish themselves in Cleveland’s air traffic control field.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,101 | $40.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,643 | $50.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,726 | $70.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,810 | $90.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,062 | $104.35 |
Median Salary Position
3.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,961 (2026 est.). At $146,726, the local median is 3.4% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $146,726/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,771 | +6.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.40% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cleveland, OH earn a median of $146,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.50% above the Ohio state average of $137,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland 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.
Cleveland, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,726 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $161,771 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,480
2025 BLS Actual
$143,050
2026 Current Est.
$146,726
2019–2027 Growth
+4.2%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,726 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,497 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew -1.0% from $144,480 (2019) to $143,050 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,497 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,017 (4.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $85,101 – $105,643 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,643 – $146,726 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,726 – $187,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,810 – $217,062 |
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 Cleveland
Cleveland currently employs 57 air traffic controllers, providing a stable job market amidst a relatively low cost of living, with an index of 90.7, making it easier for controllers to enjoy their salaries. Among the various employers in the region, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest pay, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. The pay dispersion in Cleveland can be significant, influenced by the facility level, CPC certification, shift differentials, and the prevalence of mandatory overtime. For individuals seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Cleveland, strategizing around request for shift assignments, pursuing over time diligently, and maintaining strong performance can significantly enhance earning potential, leading to greater financial security in this competitive field.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $143,050 for air traffic controllersin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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