Chester vs Pittsburgh: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,953 | $152,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.73 | $73.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,582 | $88,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,452 | $109,635▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,063 | $194,906▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,744 | $230,763▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 58▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $9,317 (6.52%). Pittsburgh's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $112,162,Pittsburgh spans $142,446. Pittsburgh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($156,335 effective) pays 6.52% more than Chester ($146,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,763)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,335)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Chester grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$129,884 (2024) → $139,371 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$118,980 (2020) → $148,455 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Chester vs Pittsburgh?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov