Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $77.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in West Haven, CT runs $77.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,108 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in West Haven, Connecticut, can expect a median hourly pay of $77.01, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive rate reflects the significant responsibilities and skills required in managing air traffic across various environments, from radar control rooms to airport towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, they can earn a substantial income that provides flexibility while still maintaining a solid paycheck. Entry-level professionals might start around $44.67 per hour, while the top earners can see as much as $112.02 per hour. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary figures, emphasizing the attractiveness of this career in West Haven for both current FAA Academy graduates and those considering their entry into the field.
About the West Haven 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) | $44.67 | $357.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.45 | $443.59 |
| Median (P50) | $77.01 | $616.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.57 | $788.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.02 | $896.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $77.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $160,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,411. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,080.38 | $13,348 | $160,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,848.23 | $8,009 | $96,108 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,232.15 | $5,339 | $64,072 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (West Haven) | $77.01 |
| 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 Haven, CT earn a median of $160,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $163,946.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.01/hr = $96,108/year (purchasing power: $89,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,180/year (purchasing power: $148,452).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in West Haven grew 20.4% from $62.36/hr (2019) to $75.08/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.99/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 Haven 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 Haven
Beyond the hourly figures, air traffic controllers also have unique earning potentials influenced by their employment type. A part-time controller working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $96,017 annually, significantly more than many other professions offer for similar schedules. The reality of working overtime is prevalent in this profession, especially at understaffed facilities where many controllers clock in 50 to 60 hours a week, often banking $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime compensation. This intensifies the appeal of being a per diem air traffic controller, where pay is often negotiable based on training needs while ensuring full-time schedules are balanced against personal freedom. Various employers in West Haven, ranging from FAA en route centers to contract towers, offer different pay structures, which can make a significant difference in overall compensation. Many controllers might opt for lower hourly pay that includes benefits rather than higher compensations without health coverage. As a result, negotiation skills become crucial for those looking to maximize their pay while fitting their career with personal and financial goals.
More salary data for West Haven, 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 Haven. 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 Haven 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