Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ashland, OR: $219,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Ashland, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $219,256/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Ashland's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $213,700 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
For seasoned professionals operating as air traffic controllers in Ashland, Oregon, the 2026 projections reveal a lucrative potential with a median annual salary of $155,555. The highest earners, those within the 90th percentile, can expect to see annual salaries reach $219,256, demonstrating a significant experience premium in contrast to the median figure. This gap underscores the financial rewards afforded to those who excel in this field, translating extensive experience into substantial compensation. Achieving top-tier pay in Ashland often requires a combination of advanced credentials, specialized training, and consistent performance, positioning controllers at a distinct advantage as they navigate the complexities of air traffic management.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Ashland earn between $189,639 and $219,256 per year (2026 est.). This $129,034 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ashland median of $155,555 sits 2.42% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Ashland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $155,555 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,639 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $219,256 | $221,151 |
In Ashland, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Ashland
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $155,555 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ashland employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Ashland command premium compensation, often reaching the $189,639–$219,256 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Oregon 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 Ashland
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAshland ranks #25 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $219,256).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Ashland ($219,256) is 10.18% below the Oregon average P90 ($244,104).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,809
2025 BLS Actual
$213,762
2026 Current Est.
$219,256
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,196 | Actual |
| 2021 | $184,396 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,173 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $224,891 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Ashland saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $174,809 in 2019 to $213,762 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 $224,891 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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 Ashland
Senior air traffic controllers in Ashland also benefit from specialization, with roles such as en route/radar and traffic management coordinators leading the pack in terms of salary potential. Facilities managed by the FAA, whether they are en route centers or terminal radar approach control (TRACONs), often provide distinct pay scales that reflect the intricacies involved in handling different types of air traffic. Advancing through the certification levels—from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC)—opens significant pathways to leadership roles, such as operations supervisor or facility manager. Additionally, the increasingly high demand for controllers due to chronic understaffing post-2013 sequester, coupled with ample opportunities for overtime, creates a compelling financial outlook. Those who pursue extra credentials and excel in high-pressure environments can distinguish themselves, achieving a competitive senior air traffic controller pay that aligns well with Ashland's cost of living and the unique challenges of the profession.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Ashland in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Ashland?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Ashland?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Ashland?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Ashland?
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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 $213,762 for air traffic controllers in the Ashland 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 Ashland 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