Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Royalton, OH: $184,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in North Royalton, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $184,797/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back North Royalton's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,745 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior air traffic controllers in North Royalton, Ohio, can anticipate a substantial salary potential, particularly as they reach the upper echelons of their field. The 2026 projections suggest that top earners in this profession can command a salary of up to $184,797, while those at the P75 mark can earn $168,250. This high earning potential sets experienced air traffic controllers apart from their peers nationwide, where the 2026 national median salary is $151,886. With a median annual salary of $135,311 in North Royalton, the gap between median and top-tier earnings highlights the lucrative rewards for those who excel in their roles. Achieving this level of compensation often requires years of dedication, specialized training, and the ability to navigate complex air traffic scenarios effectively.
About the North Royalton Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Royalton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in North Royalton earn between $168,250 and $184,797 per year (2026 est.). This $106,317 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Royalton median of $135,311 sits 10.91% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | North Royalton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,311 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,250 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $184,797 | $221,151 |
In North Royalton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 36.57% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in North Royalton
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $135,311 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Royalton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in North Royalton command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,250–$184,797 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North Royalton 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 North Royalton 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 North Royalton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Royalton ranks #45 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $184,797).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in North Royalton ($184,797) is 7.19% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,336
2025 BLS Actual
$180,167
2026 Current Est.
$184,797
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Royalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,521 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $184,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,547 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in North Royalton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $147,336 in 2019 to $180,167 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 $189,547 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Royalton 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 North Royalton
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in North Royalton varies significantly depending on the area of expertise and the employer type. Specializations such as en route and radar positions tend to command the highest pay, as they require advanced skills to manage high-altitude traffic flow. The differences in compensation also extend across various employers; FAA facilities like en route centers (ARTCCs) generally offer higher salaries compared to airport towers or military ATC roles. Career advancement opportunities abound, starting with developmental controller positions, progressing to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) designations, and potentially advancing to operations supervisors or facility managers. Successful candidates often enhance their pay prospects with advanced credentials, such as obtaining CPC certification and fulfilling rigorous training requirements. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, including operational shift differentials and abundant overtime opportunities, can significantly augment overall earnings for controllers at the senior level.
More salary data for North Royalton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in North Royalton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in North Royalton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in North Royalton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in North Royalton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in North Royalton?
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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 $180,167 for air traffic controllers in the North Royalton 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 North Royalton 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