Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lima, OH: $185,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lima, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $185,138/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lima's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,121 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the earning potential for senior air traffic controllers in Lima, OH, presents a compelling picture, particularly for those operating at the highest tier of experience. With a median annual salary of $135,514, professionals with considerable tenure can achieve top salaries of up to $185,138, significantly outpacing the bottom ten percent of earners starting at $79,019. This pronounced gap highlights not only the lucrative nature of senior roles in air traffic control but also underscores the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills within the Lima air traffic controller community. Transitioning into these top-tier positions often requires a blend of advanced certifications, leadership roles, and specialized training that can make a substantial difference in compensation.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lima earn between $168,848 and $185,138 per year (2026 est.). This $106,119 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lima median of $135,514 sits 10.78% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lima | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,514 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,848 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $185,138 | $221,151 |
In Lima, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 36.62% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lima
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $135,514 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lima employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lima command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,848–$185,138 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lima 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 Lima 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 Lima
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLima ranks #44 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $185,138).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lima ($185,138) is 7.02% below the Ohio average P90 ($199,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,607
2025 BLS Actual
$180,499
2026 Current Est.
$185,138
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,607 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,892 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,816 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,896 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lima saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $147,607 in 2019 to $180,499 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 $189,896 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
A deeper analysis of the Lima air traffic controller pay structure reveals several distinct avenues that lead to premium compensation for experienced professionals. Specializations such as en route radar, terminal radar approach control, and military air traffic control command notably higher salaries due to their complexity and required skill sets. Furthermore, different employment types affect compensation rates significantly; for instance, FAA en route centers typically offer higher salaries compared to smaller contract towers. Advancement in this field also involves navigating a clear path, from developmental controller through to traffic management coordinator or ATC manager, with each step often bringing an increase in salary. Additional credentials, including passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and acquiring CPC certification, enhance a controller's earning potential in Lima. As federal employees on the FG pay scale, these seasoned controllers benefit from various factors like locality adjustments and overtime, which provide additional layers of financial stability in a field characterized by persistent staffing challenges.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lima in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lima?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lima?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lima?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lima?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $180,499 for air traffic controllers in the Lima 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 Lima 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