Transportation & Logistics Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median air traffic controller salary in Salem, OR is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
$-10,990
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $10,990 below the Oregon state average of $151,118. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Salem spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$162,108
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$153,866
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$148,370
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$144,249
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Salem

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Salem

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salem

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Salem, Oregon is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Salem earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Salem's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $151,118. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Salem 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 Salem? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Salem 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.