Portland vs Salem: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,049▲ | $166,622 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.12▲ | $80.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,689▲ | $96,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,475▲ | $119,968 |
| 75th Percentile | $226,623▲ | $213,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $274,426▲ | $253,347 |
| Total Employed | 115▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $10,427 (6.26%). Portland's median is +16.57% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $171,737,Salem spans $156,707. Portland 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, Portland ($172,562 effective) pays 6.26% more than Salem ($162,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,049/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($274,426)
- ✓Larger job market (115 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $172,562)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Portland grew 56.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$110,600 (2019) → $172,613 (2025)
Salem, OR
$147,920 (2024) → $162,447 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Portland vs Salem?
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