Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Greenbelt, MD: $71.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Greenbelt, MD runs $71.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Greenbelt's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Greenbelt, Maryland, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $71.43, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects typical earnings for those operating in various settings, including en route center radar consoles in secure facilities, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) sites, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working around three days a week, this translates into solid per diem opportunities, especially in facilities that handle air traffic near major airports. Entry-level positions in this profession start around $41.43 hourly, while the most experienced controllers can earn as much as $100.54 per hour, showcasing a robust salary potential that varies significantly within the profession.
About the Greenbelt 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) | $41.43 | $331.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.43 | $411.43 |
| Median (P50) | $71.43 | $571.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.15 | $729.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.54 | $804.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenbelt
Based on $71.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.43/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenbelt, MD can expect to earn approximately $148,574 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,716. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Greenbelt.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenbelt
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,857.19 | $12,381 | $148,574 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,714.31 | $7,429 | $89,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,142.88 | $4,952 | $59,430 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Greenbelt) | $71.43 |
| 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 Greenbelt, MD earn a median of $148,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Maryland state average of $156,900.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.43/hr = $89,144/year (purchasing power: $81,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,574/year (purchasing power: $135,932).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greenbelt (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Greenbelt grew 20.4% from $57.84/hr (2019) to $69.64/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.27/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 Greenbelt 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 Greenbelt
Many air traffic controllers in Greenbelt who prefer part-time employment can expect to take home substantially less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, underscoring a trade-off between hours worked and consistent income. Given the critical need for staffing, especially after recent trends of understaffing, many controllers may find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks, leading to significant earnings through overtime. This additional compensation can significantly increase total pay, with controllers often receiving an effective hourly rate boosted by 1.5 times the base rate for any overtime. In Greenbelt, the nature of employment can differ vastly; controllers working at FAA en route centers or military control facilities may find differing dollar amounts attached to their roles. Additionally, the choice between accepting lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits or higher pay without health insurance is a dilemma many face. Controllers are advised to consider their long-term financial planning and negotiation strategies carefully, especially given the impending mandatory retirement age of 56, which necessitates strategic career moves as controllers approach retirement.
More salary data for Greenbelt, 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 Greenbelt. 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 Greenbelt 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