Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sandusky, OH: $136,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Sandusky, OH earns a median $136,904/year (≈ $65.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Sandusky's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $150,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Sandusky, OH, can expect a median annual salary of $136,904, reflecting the economic landscape shaped by both local demand and the regulatory framework guiding this profession. The salary range spans from $79,405 at the 10th percentile to $194,643 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide disparity in compensation reflective of experience, certification level, and specific facility assignment. These figures arise from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, illustrating how local market conditions influence earnings potential. With the air traffic controller certification process typically taking 1-3 years to achieve full pay, those entering the workforce can expect to see their compensation improve substantially as they advance from developmental to certified professional controllers (CPC).
About the Sandusky Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,405 | $38.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,571 | $47.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,904 | $65.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,238 | $84.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,643 | $93.57 |
Median Salary Position
9.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sandusky
In Sandusky, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,238 (2026 est.). At $136,904, the local median is 9.86% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sandusky: You'd be above the median
How Sandusky Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Sandusky median: $136,904/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sandusky Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,731 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.86% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Sandusky, OH earn a median of $136,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Ohio state average of $137,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sandusky 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.
Sandusky, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,904 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,942 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,859
2025 BLS Actual
$133,474
2026 Current Est.
$136,904
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sandusky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,952 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sandusky metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,859 (2019) to $133,474 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,564 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sandusky 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) | $79,405 – $98,571 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,571 – $136,904 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,904 – $175,238 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,238 – $194,643 |
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 Sandusky
The job market for air traffic controllers in Sandusky is relatively modest, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. A cost-of-living index of 90.7 suggests that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be slightly less robust compared to national averages. Typically, controllers in FAA en route centers tend to have the highest earnings, yet shifts and specialties greatly affect pay. For example, the spread between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to various factors, including the facility type, certification status, and the lucrative nature of overtime. To optimize their income, aspiring controllers in Sandusky should focus on achieving CPC status quickly, taking advantage of shift differentials, and considering employment with facilities that offer signing bonuses or specialized positions. This proactive approach can significantly enhance their overall air traffic controller pay in Sandusky, OH, allowing them to thrive in this competitive field.
More salary data for Sandusky, 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 $133,474 for air traffic controllersin the Sandusky 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 Sandusky 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