New Haven vs West Haven: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between New Haven, CT and West Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | West Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,404▲ | $160,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.04▲ | $77.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,354▲ | $92,902 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,371▲ | $115,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $210,438▲ | $205,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,380▲ | $233,003 |
| Total Employed | 25▲ | 10 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Haven.
The salary gap between New Haven and West Haven is $4,229 (2.64%). 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,West Haven spans $140,101. New Haven has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($152,367 effective) pays 2.64% more than West Haven ($148,448 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($246,380)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,367)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose West Haven if…
- ✓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 West Haven over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$149,374 (2024) → $160,285 (2025)
West Haven, CT
$145,532 (2024) → $156,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
West Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: New Haven or West Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and West Haven?
Should I relocate from New Haven to West Haven as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in New Haven vs West Haven?
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