Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sherwood, OR: $155,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Sherwood, OR earns a median $155,505/year (≈ $74.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Sherwood's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $151,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sherwood, Oregon, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers is set at $155,505 for 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $151,886. Salary figures reflect a range from $90,193 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $219,093 for the highest earners (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Given the operational tiers within air traffic control, controllers at en route centers typically command higher pay compared to their counterparts at terminal facilities or airport control towers. As Sherwood continues to develop its aviation sector, potential candidates should weigh these figures against the local job market to gauge opportunities effectively.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,193 | $43.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,963 | $53.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,505 | $74.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,820 | $92.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,093 | $105.33 |
Median Salary Position
2.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sherwood
In Sherwood, OR, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,900 (2026 est.). At $155,505, the local median is 2.38% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sherwood: You'd be above the median
How Sherwood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Sherwood median: $155,505/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sherwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $164,035 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.38% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Sherwood, OR earn a median of $155,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.38% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $164,035.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sherwood has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sherwood, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,505 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,564 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,921
2025 BLS Actual
$151,609
2026 Current Est.
$155,505
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,921 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sherwood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,921 (2019) to $151,609 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,581 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $90,193 – $111,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,963 – $155,505 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,505 – $192,820 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,820 – $219,093 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Sherwood
Examining the Sherwood job market, there are four current air traffic controllers on staff, highlighting a small but specialized workforce. With a cost of living index at 102.6, expenses are somewhat above the national average, affecting take-home pay in relation to purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities tend to pay more, especially for advanced positions requiring Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. The wide salary range for air traffic controller pay in Sherwood can be attributed to the different facility tiers, shift differentials, and the existence of overtime opportunities due to ongoing staffing challenges. To maximize their earnings, controllers should consider obtaining CPC certification and seek positions at en route centers, where compensation can exceed $200,000 with appropriate shifts and overtime.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $151,609 for air traffic controllersin the Sherwood metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood 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