Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Augusta, ME: $68.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Augusta, ME runs $68.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,586 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those working as air traffic controllers in Augusta, Maine, the 2026 median hourly rate is projected to be $68.58, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This wage translates into about $1,100 per week for full-time employees on a standard 40-hour schedule. Those who may choose to work part-time, say three days a week, can expect to earn approximately $33,000 annually. Activities as a controller typically take place in various settings, including en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control tower cabs, with demands often varying based on major traffic flows and weather conditions. The hourly pay for entry-level controllers starts at $40.06, while the highest earners can reach up to $96.00 per hour, showcasing a significant range depending on experience and facility type.
About the Augusta 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) | $40.06 | $320.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.43 | $403.47 |
| Median (P50) | $68.58 | $548.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.18 | $697.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.00 | $767.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $68.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.58/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, ME can expect to earn approximately $142,643 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,294. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,743.13 | $11,887 | $142,643 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,645.88 | $7,132 | $85,586 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,097.25 | $4,755 | $57,057 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Augusta) | $68.58 |
| 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 Augusta, ME earn a median of $142,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $151,274.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.58/hr = $85,586/year (purchasing power: $85,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,643/year (purchasing power: $143,216).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Augusta grew 20.4% from $55.53/hr (2019) to $66.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.34/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
Exploring the potential for part-time earnings, a 24-hour workweek translates to around $33,000 per year for an air traffic controller in Augusta. Contrastingly, full-time controllers who often work overtime can see their earnings skyrocket. Many experienced controllers face chronic understaffing, leading to extended hours that may surpass 50-60 hours per week. With overtime compensation at 1.5x the hourly base, controllers frequently find themselves with annual salaries exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 in additional pay. Different facility types present varied compensation scenarios; FAA en route centers and military facilities tend to offer higher hourly rates, while FAA contract towers may leverage more competitive pay without full benefits. This dynamic creates a trade-off where some controllers opt for roles with lower wages in exchange for health insurance stability. Negotiation can be crucial here, with potential employers often flexible on pay rates, particularly for per diem air traffic controller positions in Augusta.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
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 Augusta. 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 Augusta 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