Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sanford, ME: $67.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sanford, ME runs $67.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sanford, Maine, offers a competitive median hourly pay for air traffic controllers at $67.94, although this figure remains slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. For air traffic controllers working part-time at three days a week, this rate translates to substantial earnings in typical control environments such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, where the nature of work involves intense focus in high-pressure settings. Entry-level positions can earn $40.42 per hour, while more experienced controllers can command up to $89.85 per hour, depending on their experience level and facility type. The hourly pay is derived from annual salary data, reflecting the vital role these professionals play in airline safety and efficiency across the region.
About the Sanford 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) | $40.42 | $323.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.71 | $405.68 |
| Median (P50) | $67.94 | $543.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.12 | $664.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.85 | $718.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $67.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, ME can expect to earn approximately $141,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,531. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,717.69 | $11,777 | $141,320 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,630.62 | $7,066 | $84,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,087.08 | $4,711 | $56,528 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sanford) | $67.94 |
| 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 Sanford, ME earn a median of $141,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.60% below the Maine state average of $151,306.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.94/hr = $84,792/year (purchasing power: $85,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,320/year (purchasing power: $141,888).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sanford grew 20.4% from $55.02/hr (2019) to $66.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.69/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Regarding financial realities, part-time controllers working an average of 24 hours each week would realize earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, impacting their overall annual take-home pay. However, many air traffic controllers maximize their income through overtime opportunities, often working upwards of 50 to 60 hours a week, effectively increasing their pay well beyond the base rate. This option is particularly appealing in Sanford, where staffing shortages lead to frequent overtime. Although the pay structure varies among employers, including FAA en route centers and contract towers staffed by private entities, the choice between higher hourly pay and comprehensive benefits can significantly influence employment decisions. Negotiating salary or per diem opportunities may prove beneficial for those willing to cover shifts at understaffed locations, particularly when considering the trade-off of hourly compensation versus job security and health benefits. Such insights are crucial for those navigating their careers within the air traffic control field in Sanford, ME.
More salary data for Sanford, 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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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