Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wooster, OH: $191,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Wooster, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,129/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Wooster's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,727 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
For experienced air traffic controllers in Wooster, Ohio, the compensation outlook for 2026 reveals substantial earning potential at the upper tier. With top earners projected to capture around $191,129, and the 75th percentile earning approximately $166,280, there is a significant disparity when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $133,312. This experience premium illustrates how advanced skills, seniority, and specialization can translate into considerable financial rewards. To attain such high levels of compensation, controllers typically need at least seven years of experience, alongside a proven track record of effectively managing complex air traffic situations in various environments, such as en route centers or terminal facilities.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wooster
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Wooster earn between $166,280 and $191,129 per year (2026 est.). This $113,429 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wooster median of $133,312 sits 12.23% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Wooster | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,312 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,280 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,129 | $221,151 |
In Wooster, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Wooster
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $133,312 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wooster employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Wooster command premium compensation, often reaching the $166,280–$191,129 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wooster 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 Wooster 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 Wooster
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWooster ranks #26 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $191,129).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Wooster ($191,129) is 4.01% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,384
2025 BLS Actual
$186,340
2026 Current Est.
$191,129
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,741 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,034 | Actual |
| 2023 | $173,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,041 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Wooster saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,384 in 2019 to $186,340 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 $196,041 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wooster 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 Wooster
Examining senior air traffic controller pay in Wooster, specialized roles offer the greatest financial benefits. Positions involving en route and radar responsibilities command higher salaries due to their complexity and the intense demand for expertise in high-altitude traffic management. Other lucrative roles include traffic management coordinators and instructors at the FAA Academy, which allow experienced professionals to refine skills and mentor new controllers. Compensation can also vary significantly based on the employer type; FAA en route centers generally offer higher pay than smaller ATC towers and contract facilities. Additionally, factors like certified professional controller (CPC) status, shift differentials, and locality pay enhance overall earnings, while career advancement from developmental controller to facility manager can provide pathways to maximize income further. With its attractive salary range, the air traffic controller profession in Wooster shows promise for those willing to invest in their careers and seek advanced qualifications.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Wooster in 2026?
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Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Wooster?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Wooster?
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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 $186,340 for air traffic controllers in the Wooster 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 Wooster 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