Air Traffic Controller Salary in Corvallis, OR: $163,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Corvallis, OR earns a median $163,166/year (≈ $78.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Corvallis's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $159,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Corvallis, Oregon, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $163,166 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market that surpasses the national median of $151,886 by 7.43%. The salary range for this role spans from $94,636 at the 10th percentile to $232,968 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earnings based on experience and responsibilities. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments that position Corvallis as an attractive option for aspiring controllers. Developmental controllers can anticipate a gradual increase in pay, usually reaching full salary within 1-3 years, as they gain certifications and experience. This makes the opportunity to enter the field particularly appealing in a city with a supportive aviation infrastructure.
About the Corvallis Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,636 | $45.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,480 | $56.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,166 | $78.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $207,941 | $99.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,968 | $112.01 |
Median Salary Position
7.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Corvallis
In Corvallis, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,332 (2026 est.). At $163,166, the local median is 7.43% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Corvallis: You'd be above the median
How Corvallis Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Corvallis median: $163,166/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Corvallis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,151 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +7.43% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Corvallis, OR earn a median of $163,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Oregon state average of $164,151.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Corvallis has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Corvallis, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,166 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $159,031 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,125
2025 BLS Actual
$159,078
2026 Current Est.
$163,166
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Corvallis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,387 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,360 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Corvallis metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $132,125 (2019) to $159,078 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $167,360 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,235 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corvallis 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) | $94,636 – $117,480 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,480 – $163,166 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,166 – $207,941 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $207,941 – $232,968 |
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 Corvallis
The local job market shows a modest presence of air traffic controllers, with only 12 currently employed in the area. However, those in Corvallis enjoy a favorable cost of living index of 102.6, which slightly elevates everyday expenses but may not detract significantly from their purchasing power. Most controllers in this region will likely be found working for local FAA facilities, particularly terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs), which tend to offer higher pay than airport traffic control towers. Variability in compensation is influenced by factors such as facility levels and CPC certification status, with those achieving full certification earning significantly more. Strategies for maximizing earnings include pursuing employment with higher-paying facilities, capitalizing on shift differentials, and being open to overtime opportunities, particularly in the current context of staffing shortages that have led to increased demand for air traffic management.
More salary data for Corvallis, 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 $159,078 for air traffic controllersin the Corvallis 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 Corvallis 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