Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Norwich, CT: $76.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Norwich, CT runs $76.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Norwich's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norwich, Connecticut, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $76.36 in 2026, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the demanding responsibilities of controllers, who often work in various environments such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to substantial earnings, particularly in high-pressure settings like radar consoles or terminal approach facilities. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $44.29 and top earners reaching up to $109.47, indicating a compelling pathway to financial stability in this career.
About the Norwich 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) | $44.29 | $354.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.98 | $439.82 |
| Median (P50) | $76.36 | $610.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.74 | $781.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.47 | $875.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwich
Based on $76.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.36/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwich, CT can expect to earn approximately $158,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,636. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwich.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwich
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,054.53 | $13,236 | $158,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,832.72 | $7,942 | $95,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,221.81 | $5,295 | $63,534 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Norwich) | $76.36 |
| 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 Norwich, CT earn a median of $158,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.57% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $163,915.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.36/hr = $95,301/year (purchasing power: $88,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,836/year (purchasing power: $147,206).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norwich (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norwich grew 20.4% from $61.84/hr (2019) to $74.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.33/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 Norwich 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 Norwich
The part-time earning potential for air traffic controllers highlights a significant difference when considering a typical 3-day workweek, where earnings may offer flexibility while still yielding a respectable income. Controllers often face the reality of understaffing, which leads to opportunities for overtime; many experienced controllers report working 50-60 hours a week. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Norwich can vary widely and often increases with the need for flexibility during facility transfer training. While FAA en route centers and TRACONs provide competitive compensation, potential candidates should weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly rates versus benefits like health insurance in their negotiations. Understanding the various employer types in Norwich—from FAA facilities to military and contractor positions—can further influence both earnings and job satisfaction in this profession.
More salary data for Norwich, 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 Norwich. 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 Norwich 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