Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CT: $78.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Norwalk, CT runs $78.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,096 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norwalk, Connecticut, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $78.41, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. For individuals contemplating part-time roles or per-diem positions, this hourly pay translates to substantial earnings even while working reduced schedules, such as three days a week. Air traffic controllers are typically stationed in high-pressure environments like en route center radar consoles and busy airport control towers, which can influence their pay scales based on location and demand. Entry-level controllers might find themselves earning around $45.48 per hour, while top-earning professionals can make as much as $116.89 per hour, showcasing a robust earning potential across various experience levels in Norwalk's air traffic control sector.
About the Norwalk 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) | $45.48 | $363.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.45 | $451.64 |
| Median (P50) | $78.41 | $627.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.36 | $802.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.89 | $935.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $78.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CT can expect to earn approximately $163,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,098. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,136.59 | $13,592 | $163,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,881.95 | $8,155 | $97,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,254.64 | $5,437 | $65,241 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Norwalk) | $78.41 |
| 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 Norwalk, CT earn a median of $163,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.50% below the Connecticut state average of $163,915.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.41/hr = $97,862/year (purchasing power: $90,697).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,103/year (purchasing power: $151,161).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norwalk grew 20.4% from $63.50/hr (2019) to $76.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.43/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
Those working part-time, specifically for 24 hours a week, can expect to take home about $99,330 annually, a substantial income compared to many entries in the job market, yet it pales next to full-timers potentially earning overtime that can significantly push their earnings above the baseline. This is particularly relevant for per-diem air traffic controller pay in Norwalk, where controllers—especially at understaffed facilities—can find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, resulting in overtime rates that can substantially boost yearly income by $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Controllers employed at varied facility types, such as FAA en route centers or airport traffic control towers, may notice fluctuations in pay based on the staffing needs of their specific workplace. Moreover, some professionals may choose positions that offer health insurance, accepting lower hourly rates for benefits, highlighting the trade-offs inherent in the industry. For those negotiating their contracts, understanding the specific conditions of different employers and being aware of local market trends can help secure favorable hourly rates in this dynamic and critical field.
More salary data for Norwalk, 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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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