Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brunswick, OH: $190,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Brunswick, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,716/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Brunswick's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,271 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brunswick, Ohio, senior air traffic controllers are positioned to earn substantial salaries, with projections for 2026 indicating a median annual salary of $133,312. This figure reflects a significant divide from top earners, where those in the 90th percentile can command as much as $190,716. Such a salary is competitive even when compared to national averages, where the median is projected at $151,886 for the same year. Reaching these upper echelons requires extensive experience and a demonstrated competency, typically found in those who have at least seven years in the field. Controllers who achieve P75 earnings, around $170,640, typically hold advanced roles or specializations, contributing to their elevated pay levels in a market where the demand for experienced professionals remains consistent.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brunswick
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Brunswick earn between $170,640 and $190,716 per year (2026 est.). This $112,595 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brunswick median of $133,312 sits 12.23% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Brunswick | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,312 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,640 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,716 | $221,151 |
In Brunswick, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Brunswick
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $133,312 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brunswick employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Brunswick command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,640–$190,716 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brunswick metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Brunswick with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Brunswick
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrunswick ranks #28 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $190,716).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Brunswick ($190,716) is 4.22% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,054
2025 BLS Actual
$185,937
2026 Current Est.
$190,716
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,393 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $173,329 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,617 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Brunswick saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,054 in 2019 to $185,937 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $195,617 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Brunswick
A variety of specializations can significantly elevate senior air traffic controller pay in Brunswick, influencing those earning prospects markedly. For instance, working in en route facilities or as a traffic management coordinator (TMC) particularly enhances earning potential, as these roles are critical for managing complex air traffic situations and generally commanded higher salaries. Facilities managed by the FAA, including ARTCCs and TRACONs, provide distinct compensation frameworks influenced by the complexity of operations. Additionally, air traffic controllers transitioning from military experience often leverage their skills for substantial career advancement, moving through established paths that can lead to high-level managerial roles or specialized training positions at the FAA Academy. Securing advanced credentials, such as CPC certification, and tapping into opportunities for shift differentials and overtime markedly enhance overall compensation, ensuring that senior professionals in Brunswick are well-compensated for the unique demands and responsibilities of their roles.
More salary data for Brunswick, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Brunswick in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Brunswick?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Brunswick?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Brunswick?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Brunswick?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $185,937 for air traffic controllers in the Brunswick metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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