Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cleveland, TN: $136,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cleveland, TN earns a median $136,183/year (≈ $65.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $148,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, Tennessee, air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $136,183 in 2026, reflecting both local compensation practices and the impact of chronic understaffing within the FAA. The salary range for this occupation significantly varies, from a lower bound of $78,986 to an upper bound of $197,359, which means that while some controllers earn quite modestly, others with more experience and authority can see substantial pay. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the influence of overtime economics; many controllers work 50-60 hour weeks due to persistent staffing shortages, thus enhancing their effective compensation beyond base salaries. For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Cleveland, the evolving job market reflects a demand for skilled professionals capable of handling increasing air traffic levels.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,986 | $37.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,211 | $47.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,183 | $65.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,315 | $83.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,359 | $94.89 |
Median Salary Position
10.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,373 (2026 est.). At $136,183, the local median is 10.34% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $136,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $139,389 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.34% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $136,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $139,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,183 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,347 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,275
2025 BLS Actual
$132,771
2026 Current Est.
$136,183
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,578 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,177 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,683 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,275 (2019) to $132,771 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,683 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,408 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $78,986 – $99,211 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,211 – $136,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,183 – $174,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,315 – $197,359 |
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 Cleveland
With only 10 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Cleveland area, the local job market can feel tight yet promising. The cost-of-living index in Cleveland stands at 91.8, indicating a below-average living expense compared to national benchmarks; this translates to increased purchasing power for air traffic controller salaries in Cleveland, TN. Within the local employment landscape, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation among various facilities, while FAA airport traffic control towers follow, though at a lesser scale. Factors influencing pay disparities include the specific facility type and employee experience level. Controllers at en route facilities hold the highest ranks, while those working in terminal or tower settings typically see lower base pay but might benefit from overtime and shift differentials. To maximize earnings in this context, aspiring air traffic controllers can pursue certifications that lead to higher-tier positions and consider gaining experience at more lucrative en route centers, where salaries can rise significantly with additional responsibilities and staffing what is often an understaffed industry.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
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 $132,771 for air traffic controllersin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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