Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elyria, OH: $190,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Elyria, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,962/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Elyria's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,542 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 Elyria, Ohio, the earning potential for seasoned air traffic controllers is significant, with 2026 projections showing the top tier earners (P90) could make as much as $190,962 annually, while those at the 75th percentile (P75) could earn around $170,179. This reflects a considerable gap from the median annual salary of $133,104, demonstrating that experience and specializations can lead to substantial financial rewards. To attain this top air traffic controller salary in Elyria, professionals must not only excel in their roles but also pursue additional certifications, foster strong networks within the FAA, and possibly seek positions in specialized areas like en route or terminal radar control where demand for expert-level skills continues to grow.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Elyria earn between $170,179 and $190,962 per year (2026 est.). This $113,762 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Elyria median of $133,104 sits 12.37% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Elyria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,104 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,179 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,962 | $221,151 |
In Elyria, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Elyria
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $133,104 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Elyria employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Elyria command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,179–$190,962 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Elyria 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 Elyria 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 Elyria
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedElyria ranks #27 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $190,962).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Elyria ($190,962) is 4.09% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,250
2025 BLS Actual
$186,177
2026 Current Est.
$190,962
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $173,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,876 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,869 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Elyria saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,250 in 2019 to $186,177 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 $195,869 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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 Elyria
Highly experienced controllers in Elyria may find that their compensation can vary significantly depending on their role and the type of facility in which they are employed. Specializations such as en route and radar control tend to command the highest salaries, often exceeding those in tower positions. Employment with FAA en route centers may yield advanced pay due to the complexity of managing high-altitude airspace, while those working in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities may also enjoy premium salaries for their critical responsibilities. Leadership opportunities, such as moving up from a developmental controller to a traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor, not only provide a path for professional growth but typically come with increased compensation. Furthermore, possessing advanced credentials—such as additional certifications or specialized training—can appreciably enhance pay in Elyria’s air traffic control environment. Non-salary compensation, like shift differentials and overtime, should also be considered, especially as staffing shortages continue to create demand for experienced controllers in Ohio.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Elyria in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Elyria?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Elyria?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Elyria?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Elyria?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $186,177 for air traffic controllers in the Elyria 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 Elyria 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