Air Traffic Controller Salary in Glastonbury, CT: $158,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Glastonbury, CT earns a median $158,160/year (≈ $76.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Glastonbury's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $146,580 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glastonbury, Connecticut, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $158,160 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $151,886, driven by factors such as the local cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. The salary range for this role in the area varies significantly, from $91,732 at the 10th percentile to $216,173 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and are adjusted for regional price parities. Given the chronic understaffing in air traffic control, many controllers in Glastonbury often work longer hours, typically averaging between 50 to 60 hours per week, which can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
About the Glastonbury Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,732 | $44.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,423 | $55.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,160 | $76.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,765 | $94.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,173 | $103.93 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glastonbury
In Glastonbury, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,441 (2026 est.). At $158,160, the local median is 4.13% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glastonbury: You'd be above the median
How Glastonbury Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Glastonbury median: $158,160/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glastonbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,896 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.13% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Glastonbury, CT earn a median of $158,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Connecticut state average of $163,896.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glastonbury has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glastonbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,160 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,580 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,071
2025 BLS Actual
$154,197
2026 Current Est.
$158,160
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Glastonbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,701 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,197 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glastonbury metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,071 (2019) to $154,197 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,154 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glastonbury 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) | $91,732 – $116,423 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,423 – $158,160 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,160 – $196,765 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,765 – $216,173 |
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 Glastonbury
The employment landscape for air traffic controllers in Glastonbury consists of only six professionals, implying a stable but limited job market. Despite a cost-of-living index rating of 107.9—suggesting higher living expenses than the national average—controllers can find lucrative opportunities depending on their employer. Facilities that offer more competitive pay include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, with certain nuances: controllers in en route facilities tend to earn more due to the complexity and volume of traffic managed. Variables such as facility tier, shift differentials, and overtime availability contribute to the wide pay range, with development pay for those still in training typically hovering between 65-75% of what fully certified professional controllers earn. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Glastonbury, pursuing positions at higher-tier facilities and focusing on obtaining full CPC certification while leveraging overtime would be strategic routes to consider.
More salary data for Glastonbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Glastonbury?
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Related Pages
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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 $154,197 for air traffic controllersin the Glastonbury 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 Glastonbury 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