Athens vs Cleveland: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,822 | $146,726▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.45 | $70.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,137 | $85,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,032 | $105,643▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,100 | $187,810▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,052 | $217,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 57▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $18,904 (14.79%). Cleveland's median is -3.40% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $100,915,Cleveland spans $131,961. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($161,771 effective) pays 14.79% more than Athens ($140,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,726/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,062)
- ✓Larger job market (57 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,771)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Athens grew 12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$111,087 (2024) → $124,619 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$144,480 (2019) → $143,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov