Air Traffic Controller Salary in Toledo, OH: $140,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Toledo, OH earns a median $140,685/year (≈ $67.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Toledo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $155,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toledo, Ohio, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $140,685 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position in relation to the national median of $151,886. This salary encompasses a range from $81,598 at the lower end to $216,515 at the upper tier, showcasing the variations attributable to the facility type and certification status within the job market. Controllers stationed at en route Level 12 facilities often command higher salaries compared to their colleagues at terminal Level 11 or tower Level 7 locations. The figures provided are local estimates sourced from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, and indicate a robust demand for skilled professionals in Toledo's air traffic control sector.
About the Toledo Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,598 | $39.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,293 | $48.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,685 | $67.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,077 | $86.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,515 | $104.10 |
Median Salary Position
7.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toledo
In Toledo, OH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,917 (2026 est.). At $140,685, the local median is 7.37% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Toledo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toledo Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Toledo median: $140,685/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toledo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,791 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.37% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Toledo, OH earn a median of $140,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.37% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% above the Ohio state average of $137,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toledo 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.
Toledo, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,685 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $155,110 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,920
2025 BLS Actual
$137,160
2026 Current Est.
$140,685
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Toledo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,497 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,301 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toledo metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,920 (2019) to $137,160 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,301 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,381 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toledo 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) | $81,598 – $101,293 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,293 – $140,685 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,685 – $180,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,077 – $216,515 |
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 Toledo
The local air traffic controller job market is relatively small, with only 43 controllers currently employed in the Toledo area, yet it remains promising given the 2.57% annual growth rate anticipated over the next five years. The cost of living index for Toledo sits at 90.7, indicating that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, controllers in this city enjoy better purchasing power compared to more expensive markets. Major employers include FAA en route centers, which typically offer the highest pay. Factors influencing salary ranges include facility type, which affects responsibility levels, as well as additional incentives like shift differentials and overtime—common elements in an industry often marked by chronic understaffing. For those considering a position in Toledo, pursuing higher certification and making the most of available overtime opportunities can substantially enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Toledo, 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 $137,160 for air traffic controllersin the Toledo 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 Toledo 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