Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in New Britain, CT: $77.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in New Britain, CT runs $77.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against New Britain's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For air traffic controllers in New Britain, Connecticut, the projected median hourly pay is $77.39, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $73.02 by 5.98%. This competitive rate highlights the attractiveness of working in this bustling environment, whether in en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control tower cabs. Professionals in various roles have opportunities to tailor their work schedules; part-time positions, which may consist of three days a week, can offer an appealing approach to work-life balance. The hourly wages in New Britain show a broad range, from $44.88 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $113.33 for the top earners, reflecting the diverse experiences and responsibilities within the air traffic control profession.
About the New Britain 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) | $44.88 | $359.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.85 | $446.79 |
| Median (P50) | $77.39 | $619.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.06 | $792.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.33 | $906.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Britain
Based on $77.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Britain, CT can expect to earn approximately $160,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,867. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Britain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Britain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,095.56 | $13,414 | $160,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,857.34 | $8,048 | $96,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,238.23 | $5,366 | $64,388 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (New Britain) | $77.39 |
| 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 New Britain, CT earn a median of $160,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Connecticut state average of $163,918.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.39/hr = $96,582/year (purchasing power: $89,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,969/year (purchasing power: $149,184).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Britain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Britain grew 20.4% from $62.67/hr (2019) to $75.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.38/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 New Britain 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 New Britain
For those considering part-time positions, there is noteworthy earning potential when working 24 hours a week; this translates to an annual income well below full-time counterparts, but still feasible for individuals seeking flexibility. Per diem air traffic controller pay in New Britain often exceeds base rates, especially when factoring in overtime compensation, which can considerably enhance total earnings, particularly for controllers handling 50-60 hours weekly due to persistent staffing shortages. Different types of employers in the area, ranging from FAA en route centers to military and contract towers, can vary compensation significantly. Controllers working in environments that prioritize benefits over pay may favor lower rates for comprehensive health plans, making negotiation skills essential for those seeking specific employment terms. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of hourly compensation can significantly influence career choices in air traffic control within CT.
More salary data for New Britain, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Britain in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in New Britain?
Are air traffic controllers in New Britain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in New Britain?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in New Britain?
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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 New Britain. 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 New Britain 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