Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gresham, OR: $167,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Gresham, OR earns a median $167,921/year (≈ $80.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Gresham's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $163,666 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gresham, Oregon, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $167,921 in 2026, which is 10.56% above the national median of $151,886. This robust compensation reflects an expected salary range from $97,394 at the lower end (P10) to $240,881 at the top (P90). Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities indicate that the effective compensation is significantly bolstered by overtime economics—controllers often log 50 to 60-hour weeks at facilities that may be understaffed. Consequently, the market for air traffic controller salaries in Gresham is competitive, presenting opportunities for those who are willing to invest the extra hours to maximize their take-home pay.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,394 | $46.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,903 | $58.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $167,921 | $80.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,340 | $103.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $240,881 | $115.81 |
Median Salary Position
10.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gresham
In Gresham, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,487 (2026 est.). At $167,921, the local median is 10.56% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gresham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gresham Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Gresham median: $167,921/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gresham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,146 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.56% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gresham, OR earn a median of $167,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.56% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% above the Oregon state average of $164,146.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gresham has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gresham, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $167,921 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $163,666 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$135,975
2025 BLS Actual
$163,714
2026 Current Est.
$167,921
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,074 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,237 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gresham metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $135,975 (2019) to $163,714 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $172,237 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,262 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gresham 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) | $97,394 – $120,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,903 – $167,921 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $167,921 – $214,340 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,340 – $240,881 |
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 Gresham
The job market for air traffic controllers in Gresham remains strong, with 21 professionals currently employed in this capacity, reflecting the demand for skilled personnel in the region. The local cost of living index stands at 102.6, slightly above the national average, which means that controllers need to consider their take-home purchasing power carefully. Among the various employment tiers, the highest pay levels are typically found at FAA en route centers, particularly for certified professional controllers (CPCs) who attain elevated salary brackets due to their experience and certification status. Factors such as facility level, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime contribute to the wide salary range. To maximize compensation in Gresham, aspiring controllers should strategically pursue CPC certification and consider positions at en route facilities or take advantage of shift premiums and overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Gresham, 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 $163,714 for air traffic controllersin the Gresham 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 Gresham 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