New Haven vs Waterbury: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,404▲ | $163,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.04▲ | $78.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,354▲ | $94,978 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,371▲ | $117,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $210,438▲ | $207,926 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,380 | $249,763▲ |
| Total Employed | 25▲ | 22 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $649 (0.40%). New Haven's median is +8.24% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $151,026,Waterbury spans $154,785. Waterbury 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, New Haven ($152,367 effective) pays 0.40% more than Waterbury ($151,766 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,404/year)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,367)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,763)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in New Haven grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$149,374 (2024) → $160,285 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$148,785 (2024) → $159,652 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: New Haven or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Waterbury as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in New Haven vs Waterbury?
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