Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Britain, CT: $160,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in New Britain, CT earns a median $160,967/year (≈ $77.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in New Britain's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $149,182 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for an air traffic controller in New Britain, Connecticut, is projected to reach $160,967, reflecting a competitive pay scale compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $93,361 and seasoned professionals earning as much as $235,726. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a healthy market for air traffic controllers. With the development timeline typically spanning 1 to 3 years to achieve full pay, aspiring controllers can find promising financial prospects within New Britain’s burgeoning aviation sector.
About the New Britain Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,361 | $44.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,158 | $55.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,967 | $77.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,039 | $99.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $235,726 | $113.33 |
Median Salary Position
5.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Britain
In New Britain, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,365 (2026 est.). At $160,967, the local median is 5.98% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Britain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Britain Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
New Britain median: $160,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Britain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,918 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.98% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in New Britain, CT earn a median of $160,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Connecticut state average of $163,918.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Britain has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Britain, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,967 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,182 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,344
2025 BLS Actual
$156,934
2026 Current Est.
$160,967
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Britain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,594 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,934 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,104 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Britain metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,344 (2019) to $156,934 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,760 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Britain 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) | $93,361 – $116,158 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,158 – $160,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,967 – $206,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,039 – $235,726 |
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 New Britain
Currently, there are 14 air traffic controllers employed in the New Britain area, contributing to a niche but stable job market. The local cost of living index stands at 107.9, indicating that while salaries are above the national average, purchasing power may vary. The highest-paying employers in the vicinity typically include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, where controllers manage high-altitude traffic or coordinate within a 50-mile radius of major airports, respectively. Several factors drive the compensation spread in New Britain, including the facility level—controllers at en route Level 12 generally earn more than those at terminal Level 11 or tower Level 7—as well as pay variations linked to CPC certification status, overtime availability, and locality pay. To maximize earnings in this market, controllers should consider seeking positions at high-traffic facilities and remain flexible about shifts, especially those that coincide with weekend or holiday work, which often come with premium pay rates.
More salary data for New Britain, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in New Britain?
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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 $156,934 for air traffic controllersin the New Britain 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 New Britain 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