Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in West Hartford, CT: $64.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in West Hartford, CT runs $64.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against West Hartford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,901 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in West Hartford, Connecticut, is projected to be $64.82, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This salary reflects the specific economic parameters of the region and can significantly impact both full-time and part-time workers who may be working in en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For those pursuing part-time positions, typically three days a week, the financial return can be quite reasonable, allowing for a decent living while participating in a crucial role within the air traffic control system. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in this city varies from $37.60 at the entry-level to $95.37 for the highest earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility in different working environments, such as FAA facilities and TRACONs adjacent to bustling airports.
About the West Hartford 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) | $37.60 | $300.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.68 | $373.44 |
| Median (P50) | $64.82 | $518.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.98 | $663.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.37 | $762.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Hartford
Based on $64.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.82/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Hartford, CT can expect to earn approximately $134,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,789. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Hartford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Hartford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.97 | $11,236 | $134,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.78 | $6,742 | $80,901 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.19 | $4,494 | $53,934 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (West Hartford) | $64.82 |
| 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 West Hartford, CT earn a median of $134,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.22% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 17.70% below the Connecticut state average of $163,840.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.82/hr = $80,901/year (purchasing power: $74,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,834/year (purchasing power: $124,962).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in West Hartford grew 20.4% from $52.49/hr (2019) to $63.20/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.49/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 West 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 West Hartford
Evaluating the compensation structure further reveals compelling insights for those considering part-time or per-diem air traffic controller pay in West Hartford. Working just three days a week translates into substantial annual earnings; however, full-time controllers typically realize more consistent income and benefits. Numerous controllers in agency or per-diem roles can see their earnings effectively rise through overtime opportunities, as many facilities remain understaffed, leading to extended shifts that can add significant income potential. At the FAA, compensation can vary greatly across settings, from ARTCCs and TRACONs to military installations, with controllers at major en route centers commanding higher rates. Controllers must navigate the trade-offs between hourly pay and the benefits offered, as some may opt for positions that provide healthcare and retirement benefits at a lower hourly rate. Negotiating effectively for hourly work requires understanding the unique compensation structures and needs of West Hartford’s air traffic control landscape.
More salary data for West 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 West 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
Salary data for West Hartford 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