Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mason, OH: $131,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mason, OH earns a median $131,591/year (≈ $63.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mason's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $145,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median air traffic controller salary in Mason, Ohio, is projected to be $131,591, reflecting a market that offers competitive compensation despite being lower than the national median of $151,886. Local salaries range significantly, from $76,323 at the lower tenth percentile to an impressive $185,374 at the 90th percentile. These figures are influenced by the area's cost of living adjustments, with Mason maintaining a cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average. Factors such as the type of facility—whether en route Level 12, terminal, or tower—play a crucial role in determining salary levels. As a relatively smaller city with a modest number of employed controllers, currently numbering seven, Mason presents distinct opportunities based on specific operational needs and staffing issues.
About the Mason Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,323 | $36.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,237 | $45.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,591 | $63.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,070 | $80.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,374 | $89.12 |
Median Salary Position
13.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason
In Mason, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,051 (2026 est.). At $131,591, the local median is 13.36% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason: You'd be above the median
How Mason Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mason median: $131,591/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,792 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.36% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mason, OH earn a median of $131,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.36% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Ohio state average of $137,792.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason 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.
Mason, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $131,591 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,084 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,556
2025 BLS Actual
$128,294
2026 Current Est.
$131,591
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mason (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,973 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,556 (2019) to $128,294 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,973 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,417 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason 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) | $76,323 – $95,237 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,237 – $131,591 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,591 – $167,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,070 – $185,374 |
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 Mason
Analyzing the air traffic controller pay in Mason, OH, local job market dynamics indicate a unique challenge and opportunity. The limited employment base of seven controllers highlights the potential for growth and heightened competition for jobs at various facility levels. The cost of living, sitting at 90.7, affects the overall purchasing power of controllers, emphasizing the significance of maximizing earnings through strategies like pursuing roles in en route facilities where salaries are generally higher. Pay differences in the region are largely driven by competition for positions at FAA en route centers or TRACON facilities as opposed to lower-tier towers. Controllers looking to increase their earnings should aim for CPC certification, consider overtime opportunities, and take advantage of shift differentials, which can substantially enhance base pay. Understanding these factors is essential for those asking how much do air traffic controllers make in Mason, and it allows potential applicants to strategically position themselves within the air traffic control job market.
More salary data for Mason, 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 $128,294 for air traffic controllersin the Mason 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 Mason 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