Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Scranton, PA: $86,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,723 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,038 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($149,521) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the starting salary for new graduates can be set at around $86,723 in 2026. This entry-level compensation may initially feel modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $149,521, highlighting a significant gap for those just breaking into the profession. However, there is a clear growth path as one progresses through the ranks, with expected earnings moving from the entry-level mark towards the 25th percentile of $107,655 within a few years. Given the current job market in Scranton, new graduates seem positioned for favorable opportunities, particularly considering the consistent demand for air traffic controllers, bolstered by a projected annual growth rate of 2.57%.
About the Scranton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Scranton, PA typically start between $86,723 and $107,655 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $149,521 — 1.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Pennsylvania of $52,000 represents just 59.96% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($86,723/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $86,723 to $107,655, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton's moderate 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 Scranton is $126,285 ( 145.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,723, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,008.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,671
2025 BLS Actual
$84,550
2026 Current Est.
$86,723
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,794 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,952 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,671 in 2019 to $84,550 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,952. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
For aspiring air traffic controllers, understanding the recruitment landscape in Scranton is crucial. The FAA regularly holds hiring announcements specifically targeting those under 31, unless they are military veterans, ensuring a pathway for many new grads. Key credentials include U.S. citizenship, appropriate educational background, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Following acceptance, candidates undergo comprehensive training at the FAA Academy, culminating in facility-specific training that can take several years to complete. New controllers should aim for continuous improvement and consider enrolling in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which can enhance employment prospects. As they advance, controllers will discover that while entry-level salaries within Scranton are a starting point, the potential for earnings can significantly increase with experience, especially when considering lucrative positions in top-tier facilities offering higher pay scales and additional bonuses.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Scranton in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Scranton?
Is aviation school worth it in Scranton?
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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 Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scranton 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