Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kettering, OH: $200,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Kettering, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $200,779/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Kettering's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,366 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kettering, Ohio, the top tier of senior air traffic controller pay is compelling, with earnings reaching up to $200,779 for the highest earners in 2026. When compared to both local and national contexts, Kettering’s figures reflect a growing market for experienced professionals in this field, despite a median annual salary of $134,545 that remains notably below the national average of $151,886. The considerable gap between these figures indicates that reaching top-tier compensation requires significant dedication, advanced experience, and often specialized training across various air traffic control environments. Professionals who have honed their expertise over seven or more years typically have better access to opportunities that elevate them into the upper echelons of air traffic controller salaries in Kettering.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kettering
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Kettering earn between $172,218 and $200,779 per year (2026 est.). This $122,743 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kettering median of $134,545 sits 11.42% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kettering | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,545 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,218 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $200,779 | $221,151 |
In Kettering, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 49.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Kettering
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $134,545 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kettering employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Kettering command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,218–$200,779 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kettering 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 Kettering 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 Kettering
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKettering ranks #8 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $200,779).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Kettering ($200,779) is 0.84% above the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$160,077
2025 BLS Actual
$195,748
2026 Current Est.
$200,779
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $160,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $167,758 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $182,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $195,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $200,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $205,939 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Kettering saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $160,077 in 2019 to $195,748 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 $205,939 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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 Kettering
Analyzing the landscape for experienced air traffic controllers in Kettering reveals several avenues for premium pay. Specialists in en route and radar facilities often earn the highest salaries due to the complexity and demand associated with managing high-altitude traffic. Additionally, roles in terminal radar (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers cater to varied operational levels, influencing compensation based on facility type. FAA en route centers generally provide more lucrative salaries than their terminal counterparts, with military air traffic control and roles with the Department of Defense also presenting alternative paths for advancement. Experienced professionals can aspire to leadership roles such as operations supervisor or facility manager, with each step offering enhanced pay potential. Securing advanced credentials and specializing in high-demand areas will also be crucial for controllers motivated to optimize their compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Kettering, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Kettering in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Kettering?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Kettering?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Kettering?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Kettering?
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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 $195,748 for air traffic controllers in the Kettering 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 Kettering 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