Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $68.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Auburn, ME runs $68.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,291 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Auburn, ME, earn a median hourly rate of $68.34 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This pay scale reflects the economic environment of Auburn, where part-time and per-diem arrangements are common in the aviation sector. Controllers frequently work three days a week, meaning they can earn substantial incomes by strategically filling shifts at en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. In this profession, hourly earnings range from $39.64 for entry-level positions up to $90.94 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the potential for significant windfalls depending on experience and station.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.64 | $317.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.51 | $412.09 |
| Median (P50) | $68.34 | $546.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.11 | $672.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.94 | $727.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $68.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.34/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $142,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,011. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,733.70 | $11,846 | $142,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,640.22 | $7,108 | $85,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,093.48 | $4,738 | $56,861 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Auburn) | $68.34 |
| 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 Auburn, ME earn a median of $142,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the Maine state average of $151,236.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.34/hr = $85,291/year (purchasing power: $85,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,152/year (purchasing power: $142,723).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Auburn grew 20.4% from $55.34/hr (2019) to $66.63/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.10/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Many air traffic controllers who opt for part-time work face distinct financial realities compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour work week can still yield a substantial annual income, though it varies based on whether they take on additional shifts to alleviate the chronic staffing shortages. Overtime compensation plays a critical role, with controllers often working 50-60 hours per week at understaffed facilities, effectively pushing their hourly earnings far above the base rates. Auburn's range of employers— from FAA en route centers to contract towers—offers variances in pay scales and benefits. While some controllers may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability, others, particularly those in per-diem positions seeking agency work, may command higher pay. Given the competitive nature of air traffic controller roles, negotiating for better compensation, whether hourly or per diem, can significantly impact overall earnings.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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