Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hermiston, OR: $155,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hermiston, OR earns a median $155,642/year (≈ $74.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hermiston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $151,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hermiston, Oregon, the projected air traffic controller salary in 2026 is set at $155,642, reflecting the competitive nature of this career path. The salary range for this profession spans from $90,272 at the 10th percentile to $219,542 at the 90th percentile. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, indicating that Hermiston offers a solid compensation framework for those pursuing careers in air traffic control. The potential for rapid earnings growth is notable, especially for individuals progressing from developmental controller roles to fully certified professional controllers (CPCs), where advancement typically occurs within one to three years. This trajectory suggests that Hermiston's job market is not only viable but also steadily improving for aspiring air traffic controllers.
About the Hermiston Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,272 | $43.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,062 | $53.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,642 | $74.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,150 | $92.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,542 | $105.54 |
Median Salary Position
2.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hermiston
In Hermiston, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,270 (2026 est.). At $155,642, the local median is 2.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hermiston: You'd be above the median
How Hermiston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hermiston median: $155,642/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hermiston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,179 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hermiston, OR earn a median of $155,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $164,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hermiston has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hermiston, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,642 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,698 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,032
2025 BLS Actual
$151,742
2026 Current Est.
$155,642
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hermiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,642 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hermiston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,032 (2019) to $151,742 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,642 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,610 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hermiston 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) | $90,272 – $112,062 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,062 – $155,642 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,642 – $193,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,150 – $219,542 |
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 Hermiston
Hermiston's air traffic controller job market remains robust, with six professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 102.6 indicates a slight premium compared to the national average, suggesting that while salaries offer substantial take-home pay, the purchasing power may be slightly challenged. Major employers in the region may include FAA airport traffic control towers and potentially military air traffic control sectors, providing varied pay scales based on facility types. Pay disparities arise from factors such as the level of the facility, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, significantly affecting overall earnings. To maximize their pay in Hermiston, individuals should focus on obtaining CPC certification, which unlocks higher rates, and consider working at facilities with a higher tier or those offering robust overtime opportunities, especially in a market still contending with staffing shortages that can lead to abundant mandatory overtime.
More salary data for Hermiston, 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 $151,742 for air traffic controllersin the Hermiston 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 Hermiston 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