Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cheshire, CT: $156,468 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cheshire, CT earns a median $156,468/year (≈ $75.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cheshire's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $145,012 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Cheshire, CT, reflect the demanding nature of the job, particularly in light of the chronic understaffing that has become common across facilities. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $156,468, which is slightly higher than the national median of $151,886, representing a 3.02% premium. Salaries in the region can vary significantly, with a range from $90,752 at the 10th percentile to $220,273 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for cost of living, indicate that effective compensation can be driven by the prevalent 50-60 hour work weeks, where overtime becomes an essential component of income for controllers in Cheshire.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,752 | $43.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,150 | $54.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,468 | $75.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,566 | $95.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,273 | $105.90 |
Median Salary Position
3.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheshire
In Cheshire, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,521 (2026 est.). At $156,468, the local median is 3.02% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cheshire: You'd be above the median
How Cheshire Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cheshire median: $156,468/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cheshire Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,841 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.02% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cheshire, CT earn a median of $156,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $163,841.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cheshire has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cheshire, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,468 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,012 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,701
2025 BLS Actual
$152,548
2026 Current Est.
$156,468
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,665 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,468 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,490 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cheshire metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,701 (2019) to $152,548 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,490 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,789 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheshire 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $90,752 – $113,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,150 – $156,468 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,468 – $198,566 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,566 – $220,273 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Cheshire
This region employs only four air traffic controllers, a small number that highlights the competitive labor market in Cheshire. Given the cost of living index at 107.9, which is above the national average, controllers need to maximize their earnings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Among the potential employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the most competitive pay, particularly those classified as Level 12 facilities. Factors such as certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime contribute to the broad salary range. For those looking to increase their pay, securing Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, seeking out en route positions, and taking advantage of overtime are strategies to consider in this localized job market. With ongoing staffing challenges, air traffic controllers may find ample opportunities to increase earnings through additional hours and specialization in traffic management roles.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $152,548 for air traffic controllersin the Cheshire metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheshire 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