Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $169,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hillsboro, OR earns a median $169,526/year (≈ $81.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hillsboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $165,230 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $169,526 in 2026, Hillsboro, OR, offers competitive compensation for air traffic controllers, especially when compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals spans from $98,325 at the lower end (P10) to $246,529 at the upper threshold (P90). Not only does this reflect the local demand for skilled controllers, but it also highlights the impact of overtime economics prevalent in a community facing staffing challenges. Controllers often put in 50 to 60-hour weeks at understaffed facilities, effectively enhancing their overall earnings and reflecting the high-stakes nature of the job. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate a robust market for air traffic controller pay in Hillsboro.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,325 | $47.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,058 | $58.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,526 | $81.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $216,993 | $104.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $246,529 | $118.52 |
Median Salary Position
11.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
In Hillsboro, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,204 (2026 est.). At $169,526, the local median is 11.61% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hillsboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hillsboro Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hillsboro median: $169,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hillsboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,110 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +11.61% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $169,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% above the Oregon state average of $164,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hillsboro has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hillsboro, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $165,230 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,274
2025 BLS Actual
$165,278
2026 Current Est.
$169,526
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,274 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,882 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hillsboro metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $137,274 (2019) to $165,278 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $173,882 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,608 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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) | $98,325 – $122,058 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,058 – $169,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,526 – $216,993 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $216,993 – $246,529 |
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 Hillsboro
The job market for air traffic controllers in Hillsboro consists of only 22 professionals, which speaks to the localized demand and the opportunities available. While the cost of living index stands at 102.6, which is slightly above the national average, it plays a significant role in determining take-home pay and purchasing power. Notably, those employed at FAA en route centers tend to earn more than controllers at terminal and tower facilities, reflecting the hierarchy established within the FAA's facility tier system. Factors such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities significantly influence salary spreads, offering avenues for increased earnings. Controllers are advised to pursue certifications and seek employment at en route facilities where pay and benefits are more substantial, especially considering the ongoing staffing shortages which often lead to generous overtime options.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $165,278 for air traffic controllersin the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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