Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Biddeford, ME: $83,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Biddeford, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,015 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biddeford's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,348 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,129) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Biddeford, ME, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be $83,015 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum, with a substantial gap when compared to the median annual salary of $143,129 for the region. New graduates can realistically expect a growth trajectory from their initial earnings, as reaching the 25th percentile salary of $103,053 is attainable within the first few years. Overall, Biddeford offers a promising market for new air traffic controllers, with competitive starting pay that, while slightly lower than the national average, is supported by a favorable local cost of living.
About the Biddeford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biddeford
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biddeford
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Biddeford, ME typically start between $83,015 and $103,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,685 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,129 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Maine of $42,000 represents just 50.59% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($83,015/year) in Biddeford. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Biddeford
- 1Research the Biddeford market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $83,015 to $103,053, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biddeford, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Biddeford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biddeford's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Biddeford is $109,685 ( 132.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,015, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,700.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,521
2025 BLS Actual
$80,935
2026 Current Est.
$83,015
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Biddeford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,521 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,935 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,149 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Biddeford, ME grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,521 in 2019 to $80,935 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,149. New graduates entering the Biddeford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Biddeford
When looking for employment in Biddeford, prospective air traffic controllers should note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer in this field. They regularly recruit through "off-the-street" hiring announcements, which are open to applicants under 31 unless they have military experience. Graduates from programs participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) often have an advantage, as do military veterans seeking positions through the Veterans Recruitment Authority. Meeting the eligibility requirements, including US citizenship and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), is crucial for landing a position. After undergoing initial qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which lasts between 3-5 months, new controllers experience facility-specific training that can take an additional 1-3 years to achieve full certification. Career advancement is often anticipated within just a few years, particularly given the ongoing staffing shortages that have led to significant overtime opportunities in many facilities, enhancing overall pay as controllers work toward higher-paying positions on the FG pay scale.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Biddeford in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Biddeford?
Is aviation school worth it in Biddeford?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Biddeford?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Maine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maine
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Biddeford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biddeford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov