Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cumberland, MD: $69.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cumberland, MD runs $69.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cumberland's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cumberland, Maryland, the projected median hourly rate for air traffic controllers is $69.84, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly figure not only signifies a solid income for full-time positions but also sets the stage for various earning opportunities within the profession. Controllers typically work in settings like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, often in challenging environments that require acute focus and skill. The hourly earnings range from $40.76 for entry-level positions to $95.15 for the most experienced controllers. Understanding the difference in pay can be vital for part-time workers, especially those who may work three days a week or engage in per diem arrangements. Such rates are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the specialized nature of air traffic management in Cumberland.
About the Cumberland 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) | $40.76 | $326.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.34 | $410.69 |
| Median (P50) | $69.84 | $558.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.38 | $699.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.15 | $761.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cumberland
Based on $69.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.84/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cumberland, MD can expect to earn approximately $145,267 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,808. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cumberland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cumberland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,793.60 | $12,106 | $145,267 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,676.16 | $7,263 | $87,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,117.44 | $4,842 | $58,107 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cumberland) | $69.84 |
| 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 Cumberland, MD earn a median of $145,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.40% below the Maryland state average of $156,865.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.84/hr = $87,160/year (purchasing power: $79,744).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,267/year (purchasing power: $132,907).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cumberland grew 20.4% from $56.55/hr (2019) to $68.09/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.63/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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland
Focusing on part-time work, an air traffic controller in Cumberland who opts for a 24-hour workweek will see a markedly different annual income compared to full-time colleagues. With the potential to earn significant overtime—often working 50-60 hours weekly—controllers can boost their effective hourly compensation considerably. Many in the field report annual earnings that can surpass $200,000 when factoring in overtime. The context varies based on employer types, ranging from FAA en route centers to smaller FAA contract towers, each offering different hourly rates and benefits. While some controllers may prefer higher hourly rates at contract facilities, the trade-off often comes in the form of lacking health insurance and job security. In contrast, federal positions may provide comprehensive benefits, making lower hourly wages more appealing. For those negotiating work in Cumberland, it’s prudent to examine both hourly pay and the value of ancillary benefits when considering offers, especially in light of ongoing staffing challenges in air traffic control roles.
More salary data for Cumberland, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Cumberland?
Are air traffic controllers in Cumberland paid hourly or salary?
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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 Cumberland. 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 Cumberland 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