Air Traffic Controller Salary in Scarborough, ME: $144,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Scarborough, ME earns a median $144,334/year (≈ $69.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Scarborough's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $144,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Scarborough, Maine, can expect a median annual salary of $144,334, which reflects the competitive nature of this essential profession. Despite being nearly 5% lower than the national median of $151,886, local salaries span a range from $83,714 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $191,675 for those at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile). These projected figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living considerations, suggest the potential for substantial earnings, especially in an environment where many controllers are working 50-60 hours a week due to chronic staffing shortages. This industry dynamics fosters effective compensation through not only base salaries but also ample opportunities for overtime.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,714 | $40.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,258 | $52.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,334 | $69.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,075 | $85.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,675 | $92.15 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
In Scarborough, ME, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,961 (2026 est.). At $144,334, the local median is 4.97% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scarborough: You'd be above the median
How Scarborough Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Scarborough median: $144,334/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scarborough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $151,294 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.97% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Scarborough, ME earn a median of $144,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $151,294.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scarborough has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scarborough, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,334 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,914 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,875
2025 BLS Actual
$140,718
2026 Current Est.
$144,334
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,936 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,299 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,044 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scarborough metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,875 (2019) to $140,718 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,169 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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) | $83,714 – $108,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,258 – $144,334 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,334 – $177,075 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,075 – $191,675 |
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 Scarborough
With only five air traffic controllers employed in Scarborough, the local job market remains relatively small but focused. The cost of living index stands at 99.6, just below the national average, which means controllers can find their purchasing power slightly enhanced, despite overall lower salaries compared to larger metropolitan areas. Employers for air traffic controllers in Scarborough may vary in their compensation levels based on facility types, with en route centers generally offering the highest pay, followed by terminal TRACONs and airport control towers. Factors such as Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime significantly affect the notable spread in salaries, driving those willing to work variable hours to potentially maximize their pay. For new and experienced controllers alike, understanding and strategically navigating these employment opportunities can greatly influence how much air traffic controllers make in Scarborough.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $140,718 for air traffic controllersin the Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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