Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $80.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bridgeport, CT runs $80.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,921 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $80.87, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $73.02 by a significant margin. This elevated hourly compensation reflects both the specialized skill set required for the job and the region's cost of living, which stands slightly above the national average. For those working part-time, particularly in en route center radar consoles or airport traffic control towers, this annualized rate translates into a substantial income, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking flexibility. The hourly range spans from $46.90 for entry-level positions to $116.70 for top earners, allowing new controllers a pathway to progressively increase their earnings as they gain experience and qualifications.
About the Bridgeport Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.90 | $375.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.22 | $465.75 |
| Median (P50) | $80.87 | $646.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.45 | $827.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.70 | $933.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $80.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $168,202 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,039. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,234.65 | $14,017 | $168,202 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,940.79 | $8,410 | $100,921 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,293.86 | $5,607 | $67,281 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bridgeport) | $80.87 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $168,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% above the Connecticut state average of $163,929.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.87/hr = $100,921/year (purchasing power: $93,532).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,202/year (purchasing power: $155,887).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bridgeport grew 20.4% from $65.48/hr (2019) to $78.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Bridgeport
For air traffic controllers working part-time in Bridgeport, a typical schedule of three days per week can yield significant earnings. A controller working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would take home approximately $100,000 annually, while those accepting per diem positions might have more variable earnings based on hours worked and existing demand. The potential for overtime, especially at understaffed facilities, means many may see their effective hourly compensation rise. Controllers can often work 50-60 hours weekly, leading to annual incomes supplemented by overtime pay that can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 additional dollars. Despite the availability of higher hourly rates for privatized contracts versus government positions, many controllers may opt for federal employment due to the stability and benefits. Controllers should keep in mind that negotiation plays a vital role in their compensation; cultivating relationships within local FAA and NATCA networks can provide insights on negotiating better hourly benefits while weighing the trade-offs of hourly wages against health insurance and retirement benefits.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Bridgeport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bridgeport 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