Portland vs South Portland: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,787▲ | $124,252 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.99▲ | $59.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,561 | $72,067▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,270 | $89,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,403 | $159,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,362 | $177,677▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $535 (0.43%). Portland's median is -17.84% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $107,801,South Portland spans $105,610. Portland 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, South Portland ($124,751 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($122,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,787/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,677)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,751)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Portland grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$125,124 (2024) → $121,660 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$120,248 (2024) → $121,139 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Portland vs South Portland?
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