Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lebanon, PA: $145,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lebanon, PA earns a median $145,754/year (≈ $70.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lebanon's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $149,645 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the projected median salary for an air traffic controller in 2026 is approximately $145,754, which reflects a local cost-of-living index of 97.4, slightly below the national average. This salary represents a range from $84,537 at the 10th percentile to $199,941 at the 90th percentile, indicating that numerous factors such as facility tier and employee certification significantly influence earnings. Controllers in Lebanon primarily occupy roles within the terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control tower (ATCT) sectors, with en route facilities likely offering higher compensation for their more complex air traffic management tasks compared to local tower levels. Such nuances in pay structure reflect the competitive nature of the industry, particularly in smaller markets like Lebanon where earning potential may dip below the national median air traffic controller salary of $151,886.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,537 | $40.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,746 | $51.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,754 | $70.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,771 | $87.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,941 | $96.13 |
Median Salary Position
4.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lebanon
In Lebanon, PA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,404 (2026 est.). At $145,754, the local median is 4.04% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lebanon: You'd be above the median
How Lebanon Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lebanon median: $145,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lebanon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $147,974 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.04% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lebanon, PA earn a median of $145,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,974.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lebanon has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lebanon, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,645 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,025
2025 BLS Actual
$142,102
2026 Current Est.
$145,754
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,025 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,429 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,500 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lebanon metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,025 (2019) to $142,102 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,500 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,475 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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) | $84,537 – $107,746 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,746 – $145,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,754 – $181,771 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,771 – $199,941 |
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 Lebanon
Despite the attractive salary figures, the job market for air traffic controllers in Lebanon is relatively small, with only five individuals employed in this occupation. The local cost of living index suggests that, while salaries appear competitive, purchasing power is constrained, leading to a careful assessment of take-home pay in relation to living expenses. En route centers and terminal facilities may offer the most lucrative employment opportunities, but the spread in pay also highlights important factors such as certification levels—where certified professional controllers (CPCs) command higher salaries—shift differentials, and the prevalence of overtime in addressing chronic staffing shortages. Aspiring air traffic controllers in Lebanon could maximize their earning potential by pursuing CPC status emphatically, seeking employment at higher-tier facilities, and capitalizing on overtime opportunities, which remain a critical part of the industry due to ongoing workforce demands.
More salary data for Lebanon, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Lebanon, PA in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Lebanon?
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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 $142,102 for air traffic controllersin the Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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