Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Ellicott City, MD: $75.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Ellicott City, MD runs $75.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Ellicott City's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,559 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellicott City, Maryland, the projected median hourly rate for air traffic controllers stands at $75.77, outperforming the national average of $73.02. This competitive pay suggests that even part-time professionals working three days a week can earn a substantial income, particularly given the demanding nature of the work environment that includes en route center radar consoles and control tower cabs. The hourly pay options range from $43.95 for entry-level positions to $106.96 for top earners within the field. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a useful framework for understanding the pay dynamics of air traffic controllers in this region.
About the Ellicott City 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) | $43.95 | $351.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.56 | $436.46 |
| Median (P50) | $75.77 | $606.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.83 | $766.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.96 | $855.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellicott City
Based on $75.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellicott City, MD can expect to earn approximately $157,598 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,922. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellicott City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellicott City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,030.74 | $13,133 | $157,598 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,818.44 | $7,880 | $94,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,212.30 | $5,253 | $63,039 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Ellicott City) | $75.77 |
| 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 Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $157,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.77% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $156,978.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.77/hr = $94,559/year (purchasing power: $86,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,598/year (purchasing power: $144,189).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ellicott City grew 20.4% from $61.35/hr (2019) to $73.87/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.72/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 Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City
For those considering a part-time career as an air traffic controller, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income significantly less than full-time counterparts, yet still showcase solid earning potential. Many air traffic controllers opt for per diem opportunities that can often lead to even greater financial rewards through overtime. Given the current climate of chronic staffing shortages, it's not uncommon for controllers at FAA facilities to log 50-60 hours weekly, resulting in base hourly gains elevated by overtime pay of 1.5 times. Employment across different facilities in Ellicott City, including various FAA centers and contract towers, can influence the hourly compensation package, as some positions may prioritize health benefits over higher hourly earnings. Individuals should also consider the trade-offs when negotiating their rates—higher early pay often comes without substantial benefits.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ellicott City in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Ellicott City?
Are air traffic controllers in Ellicott City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Ellicott City?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Ellicott City?
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 Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City 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