Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hartford, CT: $66.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hartford, CT runs $66.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.7, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $64.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,898 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hartford, Connecticut, an air traffic controller earns a median hourly pay of $66.42, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This difference could have implications for individuals seeking part-time or per-diem positions in various control settings, ranging from the dimly lit en route centers to the more visually open airport traffic control towers. Entry-level professionals may see hourly wages starting around $45.47, while experienced controllers can command upwards of $85.13, depending on their specific role and facility type. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled controllers in a field characterized by both high responsibility and unique work environments.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.47 | $363.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.09 | $472.72 |
| Median (P50) | $66.42 | $531.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.13 | $681.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.13 | $681.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hartford
Based on $66.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.42/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $138,163 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,709. With a cost-of-living index of 102.75 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,656.97 | $11,514 | $138,163 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,594.18 | $6,908 | $82,898 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.79 | $4,605 | $55,265 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hartford) | $66.42 |
| 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 Hartford, CT earn a median of $138,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 15.70% below the Connecticut state average of $163,893.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.42/hr = $82,898/year (purchasing power: $80,682).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,163/year (purchasing power: $134,470).
CoL index: 102.746 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$53.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hartford grew 20.4% from $53.79/hr (2019) to $64.76/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.13/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 Hartford 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 Hartford
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week (24 hours) can yield a substantial income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. With part-time controllers making $66.42 per hour, their annual take-home pay could be significantly lower without overtime opportunities that are prevalent in the profession. Substantial overtime—often 1.5 times the base pay—can elevate incomes for those at understaffed facilities, with many Controllers working upwards of 50-60 hours weekly, consequently boosting their earnings beyond the base rates. Various scenarios in Hartford reflect different employer types, from FAA en route centers to contract towers, each presenting distinct compensation models. Additionally, while some controllers might opt for higher hourly rates with fewer benefits, the allure of comprehensive health insurance often leads others to choose positions with lower base rates for greater job security. Negotiating effectively in Hartford necessitates a thorough understanding of both hourly pay structures and the surrounding compensation culture in this high-demand sector.
More salary data for Hartford, 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 Hartford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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