Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $72.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Dundalk, MD runs $72.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Dundalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dundalk, Maryland, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $72.88, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly wage provides a solid income for those who may choose to work part-time, such as on a 3-day weekly schedule, allowing them to balance work and personal commitments while still making a competitive living. With entry-level positions starting as low as $42.27 and experienced professionals earning up to $104.51 per hour, the prospects for pay variability are significant. Controllers are primarily positioned in high-pressure environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers, where they manage critical flight operations. The hourly rates reflect the pressures and responsibilities inherent in this profession, translating to substantial earnings across various employment settings.
About the Dundalk 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) | $42.27 | $338.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.46 | $419.72 |
| Median (P50) | $72.88 | $583.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.28 | $746.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.51 | $836.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
Based on $72.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.88/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dundalk, MD can expect to earn approximately $151,582 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,451. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,915.04 | $12,632 | $151,582 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,749.02 | $7,579 | $90,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,166.02 | $5,053 | $60,633 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Dundalk) | $72.88 |
| 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 Dundalk, MD earn a median of $151,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $156,913.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.88/hr = $90,949/year (purchasing power: $83,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,582/year (purchasing power: $138,684).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Dundalk grew 20.4% from $59.01/hr (2019) to $71.05/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.75/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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
For those considering part-time roles, the financial landscape can differ substantially. Working just three days a week, an air traffic controller may take home approximately $56,650 annually, a figure that is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. However, many controllers opt to work overtime—often clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week, especially in understaffed facilities, which results in effective hourly compensation that can soar above the base pay due to overtime rates. Mixed employment types also influence earnings, as federal facilities tend to pay higher than contract towers. Some controllers may take lower hourly pay for public sector jobs to secure health benefits over the higher pay scales offered by contractors. Understanding the negotiation dynamics in Dundalk, whether for overtime or contract work, can empower individuals in this field to make informed decisions about their compensation and work-life balance within a profession facing both staffing challenges and strategic retirements due to the mandatory retirement age of 56.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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