Air Traffic Controller Salary in Central Point, OR: $155,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Central Point, OR earns a median $155,567/year (≈ $74.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Central Point's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $151,625 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central Point, Oregon, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $155,567 in 2026, which is marginally above the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals demonstrates considerable variation, spanning from $90,229 at the 10th percentile to $210,008 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity. For aspiring controllers, pursuing certification can take between one to three years, and during this developmental stage, compensation typically ranges from 65% to 75% of what fully certified controllers earn. Given Central Point’s limited employment market with only six air traffic controllers currently, securing a position here can be competitive and illustrative of the growing demand for skilled professionals in aviation.
About the Central Point Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,229 | $43.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,008 | $53.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,567 | $74.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,969 | $92.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,008 | $100.97 |
Median Salary Position
2.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central Point
In Central Point, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,779 (2026 est.). At $155,567, the local median is 2.42% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central Point: You'd be above the median
How Central Point Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Central Point median: $155,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Point Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,100 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.42% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Central Point, OR earn a median of $155,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.42% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $164,100.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central Point has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central Point, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,567 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,625 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,971
2025 BLS Actual
$151,669
2026 Current Est.
$155,567
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Central Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,971 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,669 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central Point metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,971 (2019) to $151,669 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,594 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central Point 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) | $90,229 – $112,008 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,008 – $155,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,567 – $192,969 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,969 – $210,008 |
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 Central Point
In analyzing the air traffic controller pay in Central Point, it is essential to consider the local job market and cost of living. The region's cost-of-living index stands at 102.6, indicating expenses are slightly above the national average, which affects take-home purchasing power. The highest-paying employers in the area tend to be FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, as these positions are typically associated with a higher grade level compared to tower roles. Factors contributing to salary differences include the facility level, CPC certification status, and various bonuses for shift differentials and overtime. Controllers aiming to maximize their earnings in Central Point should prioritize obtaining CPC certification and seek roles at en route centers while also being open to overtime opportunities, as the ongoing staffing shortages compel many facilities to rely heavily on additional hours for coverage.
More salary data for Central Point, OR:
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 $151,669 for air traffic controllersin the Central Point 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 Central Point 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