Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Youngstown, OH: $194,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Youngstown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $194,740/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Youngstown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,708 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
With a median annual salary of $134,315 projected for 2026, experienced air traffic controllers in Youngstown, Ohio, are positioned within a promising financial landscape. The top earners in this role can expect to make up to $194,740, significantly enhancing their earnings potential compared to the median figures. The marked gap between this top-tier compensation and the median salary highlights the value placed on experience and advanced skill sets, establishing a pathway for senior professionals to capitalize on their extensive training and expertise. Achieving this level of pay typically requires a combination of certifications, specialized knowledge in fields such as en route radar or terminal operations, and often several years in increasingly responsible positions within the FAA or military frameworks.
About the Youngstown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Youngstown earn between $171,924 and $194,740 per year (2026 est.). This $116,837 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Youngstown median of $134,315 sits 11.57% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Youngstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,315 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,924 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $194,740 | $221,151 |
In Youngstown, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Youngstown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $134,315 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Youngstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Youngstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,924–$194,740 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown 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 Youngstown
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedYoungstown ranks #17 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $194,740).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Youngstown ($194,740) is 2.19% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,263
2025 BLS Actual
$189,861
2026 Current Est.
$194,740
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $163,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $194,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199,745 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Youngstown saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,263 in 2019 to $189,861 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 $199,745 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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 Youngstown
Examining the senior air traffic controller pay in OH reveals key specializations that attract higher wages, particularly in en route and radar positions, where controllers manage complex traffic over significant distances. Employment types influence compensation as well; controllers in FAA en route centers, for example, generally receive higher salaries than those working at smaller FAA contract towers or military installations. Pathways for advancement also exist, leading from developmental controller roles to management positions, with additional certifications enhancing an individual's marketability. Candidates possessing advanced credentials, such as an FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) pass, and the necessary work experience will find themselves well-equipped to seize the available opportunities. Additionally, shifts in operational demands and staffing shortages frequently lead to substantial overtime, effectively supplementing salaries under the unique employment structure within the Federal Aviation Administration.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Youngstown in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Youngstown?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Youngstown?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Youngstown?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Youngstown?
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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 $189,861 for air traffic controllers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown 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