Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cuyahoga Falls, OH: $195,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Cuyahoga Falls, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,116/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Cuyahoga Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $215,122 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cuyahoga Falls, experienced air traffic controllers can look forward to a significant earning potential, especially those in senior roles. With the projected 2026 median annual salary at $138,298, the salary trajectory in this region showcases a distinct gap between entry-level figures and top earners. The 2026 salary range for senior air traffic controllers indicates a low of $80,213 (P10) to an impressive high of $195,116 (P90), revealing the potential for those who excel in their positions. Professionals striving for top-tier compensation must not only accumulate extensive experience but also develop specialized skills and pursue advanced certifications, which are crucial for navigating the responsibilities of high-stakes traffic management.
About the Cuyahoga Falls Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cuyahoga Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Cuyahoga Falls earn between $174,842 and $195,116 per year (2026 est.). This $114,903 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cuyahoga Falls median of $138,298 sits 8.95% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Cuyahoga Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,298 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,842 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,116 | $221,151 |
In Cuyahoga Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Cuyahoga Falls
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,298 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cuyahoga Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Cuyahoga Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,842–$195,116 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cuyahoga Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Cuyahoga Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Cuyahoga Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCuyahoga Falls ranks #15 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,116).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Cuyahoga Falls ($195,116) is 2.01% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,562
2025 BLS Actual
$190,227
2026 Current Est.
$195,116
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cuyahoga Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,562 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,130 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Cuyahoga Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,562 in 2019 to $190,227 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $200,130 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cuyahoga Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Cuyahoga Falls
Compensation strategies for senior air traffic controllers in Cuyahoga Falls vary significantly based on specialization and employer type. Those working in en route or radar facilities typically command the highest pay tiers, while terminal radar and tower positions also offer competitive salaries. Furthermore, differences arise depending on whether controllers are in FAA facilities, military positions, or civilian Department of Defense ATC roles. Career advancement paths are well-established, guiding professionals from developmental controllers to higher managerial roles such as operations supervisor or facility manager. Achieving advanced credentials significantly boosts potential pay, and non-salary compensation can enhance total earnings, including shift differentials and overtime, which are plentiful due to chronic understaffing. With the FAA's ongoing efforts to manage staffing levels and the looming age limit for mandatory retirement, experienced controllers in this area have solid opportunities to secure their financial future.
More salary data for Cuyahoga Falls, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Cuyahoga Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Cuyahoga Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Cuyahoga Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Cuyahoga Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Cuyahoga Falls?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $190,227 for air traffic controllers in the Cuyahoga Falls metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cuyahoga Falls 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