Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $71.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Laurel, MD runs $71.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,076 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $71.68, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate can provide significant income for controllers working varied schedules, such as part-time roles, where averaging three days a week could yield around $61,000 annually, while per-diem controllers, who often fill in on an as-needed basis, can also enjoy flexibly negotiated pay based on facility needs. The range for air traffic controller hourly wages in Laurel extends from approximately $41.57 for entry-level positions to $102.57 for top earners, reflecting the significant variations in responsibilities and experience across the profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and are reflective of the potential earnings controllers could achieve at en route centers, TRACONs, and control towers within the area.
About the Laurel 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) | $41.57 | $332.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.60 | $412.82 |
| Median (P50) | $71.68 | $573.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.74 | $733.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.57 | $820.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $71.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.68/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $149,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,011. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,867.04 | $12,424 | $149,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,720.22 | $7,454 | $89,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,146.81 | $4,970 | $59,634 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Laurel) | $71.68 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $149,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $156,922.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.68/hr = $89,452/year (purchasing power: $81,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,086/year (purchasing power: $136,401).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Laurel grew 20.4% from $58.04/hr (2019) to $69.88/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.52/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Focusing on part-time and per-diem roles, a controller working three days a week can experience a noticeable difference in annual take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Controllers frequently face the reality of understaffed facilities, leading to overtime work that can significantly elevate their effective hourly compensation beyond the base rate. With many Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) working extended hours, it’s common for them to earn an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually from overtime alone, particularly in high-demand areas like Laurel, MD. Different employer types also influence pay, with federal en route centers typically offering higher rates compared to FAA contract towers. Some air traffic controllers may choose positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits packages, a trade-off to consider depending on personal circumstances. When evaluating offers, controllers should engage in careful negotiation, especially in the context of Laurel’s competitive hourly pay landscape, to ensure that they not only secure a fair wage but also favorable working conditions that align with their professional goals in an ever-evolving industry.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Laurel?
Are air traffic controllers in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Laurel?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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