Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vernon, CT: $158,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Vernon, CT earns a median $158,211/year (≈ $76.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Vernon's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $146,627 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Vernon, CT, is forecasted to reach a median of $158,211, which is 4.16% higher than the national median of $151,886. This competitive salary reflects the dynamics of the local job market, where air traffic controllers often work beyond their standard hours. With a salary range from $92,086 at the 10th percentile to $215,949 at the 90th percentile, controllers in Vernon can optimize their earnings through the abundant overtime opportunities driven by chronic understaffing in FAA facilities. The data, projected based on 2025 BLS information and adjusted for regional cost realities, illustrates that air traffic control positions here not only promise solid compensation but also adaptability in the face of workload fluctuations characteristic of the field.
About the Vernon Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,086 | $44.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,523 | $56.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,211 | $76.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,008 | $94.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,949 | $103.82 |
Median Salary Position
4.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vernon
In Vernon, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,863 (2026 est.). At $158,211, the local median is 4.16% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vernon: You'd be above the median
How Vernon Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Vernon median: $158,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vernon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,949 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.16% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Vernon, CT earn a median of $158,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Connecticut state average of $163,949.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vernon has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vernon, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,211 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,627 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,112
2025 BLS Actual
$154,247
2026 Current Est.
$158,211
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,112 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,852 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,758 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,747 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,277 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vernon metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,112 (2019) to $154,247 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,277 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,165 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vernon 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) | $92,086 – $116,523 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,523 – $158,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,211 – $197,008 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,008 – $215,949 |
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 Vernon
In Vernon, there are currently seven air traffic controllers employed, which contributes to the localized job market's competitive nature. With a cost of living index of 107.9, the purchasing power of these salaries can be effectively managed, although costs for housing and services may be slightly above the national average. Controllers at FAA en route centers typically see the highest pay, driven by the complexities of high-altitude traffic management. Factors such as facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and overtime all contribute to the broad range in compensation. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Vernon, working in higher-tier en route facilities, pursuing CPC certification, and being flexible with shifts—especially at night and during weekends—can significantly enhance annual earnings. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring controllers make informed decisions about their careers in Vernon, CT.
More salary data for Vernon, 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 $154,247 for air traffic controllersin the Vernon 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 Vernon 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