Air Traffic Controller Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $151,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Klamath Falls, OR earns a median $151,186/year (≈ $72.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Klamath Falls's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $147,355 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Klamath Falls, Oregon, can expect a median annual salary of $151,186, slightly below the national median of $151,886. Salaries in this field span a range from $87,688 for the lowest earners at the 10th percentile (P10) to $209,847 for those at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The compensation structure is influenced by the facility type—en route Level 12 positions typically command higher salaries than terminal or tower roles, reflecting the complexities of air traffic management in different environments. The local job market comprises a small community of just four air traffic controllers, indicating a niche sector where specialized skills are highly valued.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,688 | $42.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,268 | $53.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,186 | $72.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,434 | $92.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,847 | $100.89 |
Median Salary Position
0.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Klamath Falls
In Klamath Falls, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,159 (2026 est.). At $151,186, the local median is 0.46% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Klamath Falls: You'd be above the median
How Klamath Falls Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Klamath Falls median: $151,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Klamath Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,154 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.46% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $151,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $164,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Klamath Falls has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Klamath Falls, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,186 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,355 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,424
2025 BLS Actual
$147,398
2026 Current Est.
$151,186
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,424 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,819 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,398 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Klamath Falls metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,424 (2019) to $147,398 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,648 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls 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) | $87,688 – $110,268 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,268 – $151,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,186 – $191,434 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,434 – $209,847 |
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 Klamath Falls
The job market for air traffic controllers in Klamath Falls is shaped by its unique economic factors, including a cost-of-living index of 102.6, which is slightly above the national average. This higher index can impact take-home pay, making it crucial for professionals in this field to maximize their earnings potential. The highest-paying employers typically include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. Factors driving salary variation include the facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and the frequency of overtime opportunities. For instance, controllers holding CPC status earn significantly more compared to those in developmental pay stages. To enhance earning capacity, controllers might seek additional certifications, apply for higher-tiered positions in larger facilities, and be open to shift work, particularly during peak air traffic times, where significant bonuses may be available.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, 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 $147,398 for air traffic controllersin the Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls 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