Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Odenton, MD: $72.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Odenton, MD runs $72.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Odenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Odenton, Maryland, the hourly pay for an air traffic controller is projected to reach $72.63 in 2026, which slightly trails the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive pay offers part-time and per-diem controllers an opportunity to earn a significantly robust income while working in various settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. Entry-level controllers can expect to see starting pay at $42.13 per hour, while top earners in this field may command upwards of $103.38 per hour. Given the nature of the job in often challenging environments, the hourly rates reflect the complexities and responsibilities managed by air traffic controllers in Odenton, MD.
About the Odenton 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) | $42.13 | $337.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.23 | $425.87 |
| Median (P50) | $72.63 | $581.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.86 | $742.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.38 | $827.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odenton
Based on $72.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.63/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odenton, MD can expect to earn approximately $151,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,156. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Odenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,905.19 | $12,589 | $151,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,743.12 | $7,554 | $90,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,162.08 | $5,036 | $60,428 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Odenton) | $72.63 |
| 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 Odenton, MD earn a median of $151,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the Maryland state average of $156,865.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.63/hr = $90,642/year (purchasing power: $82,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,070/year (purchasing power: $138,216).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Odenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Odenton grew 20.4% from $58.81/hr (2019) to $70.81/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.50/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 Odenton 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 Odenton
For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week can still yield substantial earnings. A part-time air traffic controller might take home approximately $56,168 annually, a figure that demonstrates the viability of such arrangements. Furthermore, many controllers opt for per-diem work or agency positions, which often come with negotiation opportunities. Overtime can dramatically increase earnings; controllers working 50-60 hours a week may see overtime pay enhance their compensation to levels significantly above the base rate. Hourly pay also varies based on employer type in Odenton, with FAA facilities typically providing different compensation packages compared to contract towers. Although some controllers may accept a lower hourly rate for the benefits of full-time employment, the potential for higher pay through agency work remains attractive. For those exploring opportunities in Odenton, understanding these dynamics can aid in effective salary negotiations.
More salary data for Odenton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Odenton in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Odenton?
Are air traffic controllers in Odenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Odenton?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Odenton?
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 Odenton. 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 Odenton 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