Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $73,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Wadsworth, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,662 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wadsworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,215 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newcomers entering the aviation sector as air traffic controllers in Wadsworth, Ohio, the anticipated starting air traffic controller salary is set at $73,662 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly below the city’s median of $127,003, highlighting a notable gap for new grads. However, there is room for growth as new controllers can expect their earnings to rise as they accumulate experience. As they progress from the entry-level stage toward the 25th percentile salary of $92,743, individuals may see their income steadily increase within the first 3-5 years. The current job market indicates that Wadsworth is a viable option for new graduates seeking entry points into air traffic control, especially when considering the long-term growth trajectory associated with federal employment.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wadsworth
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 Wadsworth
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Wadsworth, OH typically start between $73,662 and $92,743 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,760 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,003 — 16.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Ohio of $38,000 represents just 51.59% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($73,662/year) in Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth
- 1Research the Wadsworth market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $73,662 to $92,743, 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 Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wadsworth'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 Wadsworth is $98,760 ( 134.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,662, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,422.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,576
2025 BLS Actual
$71,816
2026 Current Est.
$73,662
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,576 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,633 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,393 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,555 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Wadsworth, OH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,576 in 2019 to $71,816 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,555. New graduates entering the Wadsworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
When eyeing opportunities in Wadsworth, prospective air traffic controllers should be aware of the competitive hiring process orchestrated primarily by the FAA. The FAA recruits new controllers through various channels including 'off-the-street' announcements, Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities, and pathways for military veterans. Potential candidates will need to meet essential credentials like U.S. citizenship, pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and successfully complete the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, with mandatory retirement occurring at age 56, there’s a tangible path for growth in this career, with controllers eventually moving to roles that can yield salaries in the $130,000 to $180,000 range at top en route facilities. For new hires, realistic salary increments are feasible within the first few years, particularly for those committed to enhancing their skills and taking advantage of overtime opportunities arising from the sector's ongoing staffing needs.
More salary data for Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wadsworth 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