Transportation & Logistics Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median air traffic controller salary in Portland, OR is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$162,108
vs State Avg
+$10,990
vs National
+$24,728
Cost of Living
118%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median air traffic controller salary of $162,108, which is $10,990 above the Oregon state average of $151,118. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $162,108 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Portland spans from $96,760 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $136,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,200. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $100,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,200
+$34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $96,760
25th Percentile $127,440
Median (50th) $162,108
75th Percentile $206,500
90th Percentile $233,640

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$153,866
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$148,370
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$144,249
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$140,128
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Portland

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Portland

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Portland, Oregon is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $96,760 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,108, a air traffic controller in Portland earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Portland's median air traffic controller salary of $162,108 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $151,118. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $162,108 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Portland? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.