Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $75,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Chillicothe, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chillicothe's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,945 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,708) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A career as an air traffic controller in Chillicothe, Ohio can provide new graduates with a promising starting salary. In 2026, an entry-level position offers a starting air traffic controller salary in Chillicothe of $75,231, which is significantly lower than the city median of $129,708. However, early-career professionals can expect a positive growth trajectory over the next few years, progressing from the initial pay to around $98,070 after approximately three to five years. This upward movement suggests that for those looking to jumpstart their careers in air traffic control, Chillicothe currently presents a viable job market despite initial earnings that may not meet national averages.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chillicothe
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Chillicothe, OH typically start between $75,231 and $98,070 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,955 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,708 — 14.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 50.51% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($75,231/year) in Chillicothe. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Chillicothe
- 1Research the Chillicothe market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $75,231 to $98,070, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chillicothe, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Chillicothe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chillicothe's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Chillicothe is $105,955 ( 140.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,186.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,909
2025 BLS Actual
$73,346
2026 Current Est.
$75,231
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,229 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,829 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,346 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,164 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Chillicothe, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,909 in 2019 to $73,346 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,164. New graduates entering the Chillicothe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Chillicothe
Focusing on the local hiring landscape, the FAA is a primary employer for new graduates in air traffic control, actively seeking candidates through several pathways. Those under age 31 can apply through off-the-street announcements, while successful candidates from the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) also find pathways to employment. Setting credentials in stone, applicants must be U.S. citizens, possess a bachelor's degree or relevant experience, and pass the required FAA assessments. Once selected, trainees attend the paid FAA Academy in Oklahoma City before embarking on further facility-specific training. A career strategy during the first few years is crucial, as FAA controllers on the FG pay scale face robust earning potential, particularly when moving to en route facilities, where total compensation can skyrocket upwards of $200,000 with overtime. Given the ongoing staffing challenges, recent recruits in Chillicothe may find themselves in a position to rapidly accelerate their careers and earnings in the coming years.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Chillicothe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chillicothe 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