Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Aspen Hill, MD: $76.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Aspen Hill, MD runs $76.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,110 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Aspen Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,468 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Aspen Hill, MD, offers a competitive air traffic controller hourly pay at $76.50, surpassing the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the expertise required in environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and control tower cabs. For those working part-time at three days a week, the hourly rate translates to substantial earnings, affording flexibility alongside a rewarding career. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn about $44.37 per hour, while top earners may take home as much as $109.46, highlighting a generous pay scale available to those committed to the role. Hourly rates derived from annual salary data indicate that this profession maintains its appeal among candidates, thanks to the blend of structured schedules and impactful responsibilities.
About the Aspen Hill Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.37 | $354.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.08 | $440.64 |
| Median (P50) | $76.50 | $611.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.64 | $781.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.46 | $875.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aspen Hill
Based on $76.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aspen Hill, MD can expect to earn approximately $159,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,796. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aspen Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aspen Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,059.87 | $13,259 | $159,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,835.92 | $7,956 | $95,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,223.95 | $5,304 | $63,645 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Aspen Hill) | $76.50 |
| 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 Aspen Hill, MD earn a median of $159,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Maryland state average of $156,913.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.50/hr = $95,468/year (purchasing power: $87,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,113/year (purchasing power: $145,575).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Aspen Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Aspen Hill grew 20.4% from $61.94/hr (2019) to $74.58/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.46/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 Aspen Hill 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 Aspen Hill
Consider the financial outcomes for a controller working part-time in Aspen Hill, clocking 24 hours a week. At that rate, the annual earnings total approximately $59,904, a compelling supplement alongside other commitments. Per-diem roles also provide unique flexibility, with controllers able to negotiate their rates during facility training transitions. Furthermore, many air traffic controllers earn substantial overtime, sometimes exceeding their base rates by working 50 to 60 hours weekly, leading to effective hourly compensation that can significantly elevate total remuneration. Variations in hourly rates exist depending on where the controller is employed—FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and contract towers can present different financial propositions. In Aspen Hill, controllers may weigh benefits against hourly pay; some opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for insurance and other perks. Leveraging local and federal employment dynamics can guide negotiations effectively for new hires, especially amidst the chronic understaffing issues the FAA has faced in recent years.
More salary data for Aspen Hill, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Aspen Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Aspen Hill?
Are air traffic controllers in Aspen Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Aspen Hill?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Aspen Hill?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Aspen Hill. 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 Aspen Hill 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