Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reynoldsburg, OH: $195,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Reynoldsburg, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,476/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Reynoldsburg's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $215,519 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reynoldsburg, Ohio, the salary potential for an experienced air traffic controller is substantial, reaching a median of $134,595 in 2026. For those at the top of their field, the earnings can soar to around $195,476, which positions them competitively, albeit below the national average of $151,886. This showcases a noteworthy experience premium; as professionals hone their skills over 7+ years, they can significantly increase their pay, drawing a stark contrast between the median and top-tier pay levels. To attain such an impressive salary, controllers must navigate advanced certifications and potentially transition into specialized roles, which often command higher wages in an increasingly competitive environment.
About the Reynoldsburg Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reynoldsburg
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Reynoldsburg earn between $172,282 and $195,476 per year (2026 est.). This $117,411 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Reynoldsburg median of $134,595 sits 11.38% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Reynoldsburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,595 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,282 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,476 | $221,151 |
In Reynoldsburg, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Reynoldsburg
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $134,595 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Reynoldsburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Reynoldsburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,282–$195,476 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Reynoldsburg 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 Reynoldsburg 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 Reynoldsburg
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedReynoldsburg ranks #14 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,476).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Reynoldsburg ($195,476) is 1.82% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,850
2025 BLS Actual
$190,578
2026 Current Est.
$195,476
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reynoldsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,397 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,765 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,578 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,500 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Reynoldsburg saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,850 in 2019 to $190,578 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 $200,500 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reynoldsburg 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 Reynoldsburg
Compensation varies considerably across various employer types, reflecting the depth of specialization within the air traffic control profession. En route centers offer the highest pay tier, while terminal radar and tower operations present distinct compensation structures dependent on facility demands. Senior-level opportunities abound for those who progress through the FAA's structured career path—from developmental controllers to roles like traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor. Advanced credentials play a crucial role in boosting salaries, alongside considerations like shift differentials and locality pay. The chronic understaffing in the FAA, particularly after the 2013 sequester, has resulted in mandatory overtime for air traffic controllers, allowing experienced professionals to not only meet the demands of their role but also elevate their overall earnings in Reynoldsburg, OH. Transitioning from military ATC to civilian positions also opens lucrative pathways in this landscape.
More salary data for Reynoldsburg, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Reynoldsburg in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Reynoldsburg?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Reynoldsburg?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Reynoldsburg?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Reynoldsburg?
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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 $190,578 for air traffic controllers in the Reynoldsburg 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 Reynoldsburg 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