Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CT: $77.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fairfield, CT runs $77.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,149 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,684 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Fairfield, Connecticut can expect a median hourly pay of $77.47, which is notably above the national median of $73.02. This higher hourly rate reflects not only the cost of living in Fairfield, which has a cost of living index of 107.9, but also the competitive nature of the air traffic control profession where controllers typically work in various settings, such as radar facilities and airport towers. For those considering part-time work, where controllers might work three days a week, this translates to a respectable income while offering flexibility. Entry-level controllers can expect to start around $44.94 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $116.46 per hour, showcasing the wide salary range in this profession based on experience and facility types.
About the Fairfield 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) | $44.94 | $359.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.01 | $448.11 |
| Median (P50) | $77.47 | $619.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.77 | $782.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.46 | $931.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $77.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CT can expect to earn approximately $161,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,965. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,098.84 | $13,428 | $161,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,859.31 | $8,057 | $96,684 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,239.54 | $5,371 | $64,456 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fairfield) | $77.47 |
| 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 Fairfield, CT earn a median of $161,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $163,936.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.47/hr = $96,684/year (purchasing power: $89,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,140/year (purchasing power: $149,342).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fairfield grew 20.4% from $62.73/hr (2019) to $75.53/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.46/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Examining the realities of the air traffic controller hourly pay in Fairfield reveals additional earning potential through part-time and per-diem opportunities. Controllers working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would take home around $48,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts who typically exceed $150,000, especially with overtime opportunities. The nature of the job means that many controllers are working extended hours, with reports of 50-60 hours a week being common, resulting in substantial overtime compensation that can drive earnings to well over $100,000 annually. Notably, those working in FAA en route centers and TRACONs often see the highest pay, but controllers may also consider embracing part-time roles or per-diems with various agencies for flexibility. Each controller should weigh the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the higher hourly rates found in environments without benefits, navigating their options carefully in the competitive job market of air traffic control in CT.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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