Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waterbury, CT: $163,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Waterbury, CT earns a median $163,755/year (≈ $78.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Waterbury's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $151,766 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterbury, Connecticut, the projected median air traffic controller salary for 2026 stands at $163,755, which is approximately 7.81% higher than the national median of $151,886. This figure is reflective of the unique economic dynamics in the region, where controllers often work 50 to 60-hour weeks to compensate for chronic understaffing in facilities. The pay range for air traffic controllers in the area spans from $94,978 at the lower end to $249,763 for the highest earners. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, incorporate regional cost of living adjustments, ensuring that those entering the profession have a realistic expectation of earnings in relation to local expenses. As more ambitious job seekers consider opportunities in Waterbury, understanding these salary dynamics becomes crucial.
About the Waterbury Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,978 | $45.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,903 | $56.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,755 | $78.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $207,926 | $99.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $249,763 | $120.08 |
Median Salary Position
7.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterbury
In Waterbury, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,785 (2026 est.). At $163,755, the local median is 7.81% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterbury Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Waterbury median: $163,755/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,919 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +7.81% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $163,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the Connecticut state average of $163,919.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterbury has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,755 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,766 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,601
2025 BLS Actual
$159,652
2026 Current Est.
$163,755
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,601 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterbury metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $132,601 (2019) to $159,652 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $167,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,363 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury 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) | $94,978 – $117,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,903 – $163,755 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,755 – $207,926 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $207,926 – $249,763 |
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 Waterbury
At present, there are 22 air traffic controllers employed in Waterbury, a noteworthy figure that highlights the local job market's relative health. With a cost of living index of 107.9, the area is slightly above the national average, affecting purchasing power for incoming controllers. The most competitive salaries typically belong to those working at FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs), which tend to offer larger compensation packages due to the complexities involved in managing high-altitude and nearby airport traffic. Factors that can exacerbate the pay disparity within the profession include facility classification (with en route facilities generally offering higher pay than terminal and tower facilities), CPC certification status, and shift differentials that reward night and holiday shifts. Understanding how to navigate these factors is vital for optimizing air traffic controller pay in Waterbury, CT, especially given the high demand for controllers amidst ongoing staff shortages.
More salary data for Waterbury, 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 $159,652 for air traffic controllersin the Waterbury 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 Waterbury 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