Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Baltimore, MD: $83.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Baltimore, MD runs $83.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Baltimore's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baltimore, the air traffic controller hourly rate stands at $83.28, significantly above the national median of $73.02 for similar positions. This elevated hourly pay reflects the demanding nature of the job and the unique environment in which controllers operate, ranging from dark, quiet en route center radar consoles to bustling airport traffic control towers with panoramic views. For those interested in part-time roles—working about three days a week—this excellent pay translates to a substantial income, particularly for per-diem positions that can also leverage higher hourly rates during training or specialized assignments. The hourly pay in Baltimore varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $48.30 per hour, while top earners can fetch up to $124.54 per hour, reflecting a lucrative career pathway in air traffic control.
About the Baltimore 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) | $48.30 | $386.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.96 | $479.70 |
| Median (P50) | $83.28 | $666.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.60 | $852.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.54 | $996.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baltimore
Based on $83.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.28/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baltimore, MD can expect to earn approximately $173,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,932. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baltimore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baltimore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,331.06 | $14,435 | $173,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,998.64 | $8,661 | $103,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,332.43 | $5,774 | $69,286 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Baltimore) | $83.28 |
| 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 Baltimore, MD earn a median of $173,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.05% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 10.40% above the Maryland state average of $156,904.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.28/hr = $103,929/year (purchasing power: $95,086).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,215/year (purchasing power: $158,477).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Baltimore grew 20.4% from $67.43/hr (2019) to $81.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.42/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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore
When considering work as an air traffic controller, the earning potential for part-time schedules can be significant. A controller working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could see a direct annual income around $103,209, while full-time counterparts often exceed that substantially with opportunities for overtime. In environments marked by chronic staffing shortages, many controllers frequently work 50 to 60 hours a week, receiving overtime pay that can inflate their effective hourly compensation well beyond base rates. Variations in hourly rates across different employer types—such as FAA en route centers and contract towers—further illustrate the dynamics at play, where some controllers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits. Negotiation tips for controllers in Baltimore can include leveraging experience and training to secure higher per diem air traffic controller pay, particularly when transitioning between facilities or when in-demand for overtime shifts, enhancing financial stability while navigating their career.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Baltimore in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Baltimore?
Are air traffic controllers in Baltimore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Baltimore?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Baltimore?
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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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