Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tiffin, OH: $172,448 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Tiffin, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,448/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Tiffin's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $190,130 in average-cost America. The 36% 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 Tiffin, Ohio, can expect to see significant earnings as they reach the upper tiers of their profession. In 2026, those at the 90th percentile are projected to earn an impressive $172,448, while those at the 75th percentile will make around $158,577. This earning potential highlights a considerable experience premium, with the median salary for experienced professionals at $127,107. To access this top-tier pay, controllers must focus on mastering specialized areas within the field, such as en route or radar operations, which are highly valued in both Tiffin and the wider national landscape.
About the Tiffin Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tiffin
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Tiffin earn between $158,577 and $172,448 per year (2026 est.). This $98,726 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tiffin median of $127,107 sits 16.31% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Tiffin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,107 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,577 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,448 | $221,151 |
In Tiffin, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 35.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Tiffin
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $127,107 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tiffin employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Tiffin command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,577–$172,448 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tiffin 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 Tiffin 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 Tiffin
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTiffin ranks #64 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $172,448).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Tiffin ($172,448) is 13.39% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,490
2025 BLS Actual
$168,127
2026 Current Est.
$172,448
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tiffin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,001 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,448 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,880 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Tiffin saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $137,490 in 2019 to $168,127 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 $176,880 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tiffin 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 Tiffin
In Tiffin, premium pay is often tied to specific skill sets and employer types. For instance, controllers working in en route centers typically command higher salaries than their counterparts in terminal radar or tower operations due to the complexity and volume of traffic they manage. Individuals pursuing specialized roles, including traffic management coordinators or FAA Academy instructors, can also enhance their earning potential. Moreover, the path to advancement offers various opportunities. Progression from developmental controller status to certified professional controller (CPC) can lead to higher-level roles such as operations supervisor or facility manager, which significantly impact income. While a bachelor’s degree or extensive experience may be necessary to qualify, the benefits are substantial, including additional pay through shift differentials and overtime that are common in today’s understaffed FAA facilities. Ultimately, the senior air traffic controller pay in OH reflects a combination of specialized skills, employer type, and strategic career advancement.
More salary data for Tiffin, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Tiffin in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Tiffin?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Tiffin?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Tiffin?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Tiffin?
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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 $168,127 for air traffic controllers in the Tiffin 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 Tiffin 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