Cincinnati vs Elyria: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Elyria, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Elyria, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,741▲ | $133,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.18▲ | $63.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,639 | $77,200▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,989 | $95,835▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,984▲ | $170,179 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,851 | $190,962▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elyria.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Elyria is $6,637 (4.99%). Cincinnati's median is -8.00% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $126,212,Elyria spans $113,762. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elyria ($146,752 effective) pays 0.15% more than Cincinnati ($146,525 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,741/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Elyria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,962)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,752)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Cincinnati grew 26.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Elyria over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$108,010 (2019) → $136,240 (2025)
Elyria, OH
$115,677 (2024) → $129,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Elyria, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Cincinnati or Elyria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Elyria?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Elyria as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Cincinnati vs Elyria?
Related Comparisons
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