Air Traffic Controller Salary in West Haven, CT: $160,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in West Haven, CT earns a median $160,175/year (≈ $77.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in West Haven's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $148,448 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in West Haven, Connecticut, can anticipate a median annual salary of $160,175, which is approximately 5.46% higher than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers here varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $92,902 and the top 90% achieving as much as $233,003. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data, adjusted for regional cost factors. With the timeline for CPC certification often taking 1-3 years, controllers experience a transition in pay scales that significantly impacts their earnings potential over time. This job market in West Haven indicates a solid opportunity for aspiring air traffic controllers to establish and advance their careers.
About the West Haven Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,902 | $44.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,327 | $55.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,175 | $77.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,024 | $98.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,003 | $112.02 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Haven
In West Haven, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,101 (2026 est.). At $160,175, the local median is 5.46% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Haven Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
West Haven median: $160,175/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,946 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.46% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in West Haven, CT earn a median of $160,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $163,946.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Haven has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Haven, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,175 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,448 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,703
2025 BLS Actual
$156,162
2026 Current Est.
$160,175
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,878 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Haven metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,703 (2019) to $156,162 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,589 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Haven 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) | $92,902 – $115,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,327 – $160,175 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,175 – $205,024 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,024 – $233,003 |
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 West Haven
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 10 air traffic controllers employed in West Haven, CT. The cost of living index in the area is 107.9, indicating that while salaries are relatively competitive, the higher costs can affect overall take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest pay, reflecting the tier-based system where Level 12 positions typically yield better compensation than lower-level facilities. Factors driving the wide pay disparity include CPC certification status, shift differentials, and potential overtime earnings, especially important in a context of chronic staffing shortages that have persisted since the 2013 budget cuts. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in West Haven, pursuing positions at higher-tier facilities and being willing to work overtime shifts can substantially enhance overall income potential in this profession.
More salary data for West Haven, 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 $156,162 for air traffic controllersin the West Haven 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 West Haven 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