Air Traffic Controller Salary in Baltimore, MD: $173,222 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Baltimore, MD earns a median $173,222/year (≈ $83.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $158,483 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baltimore, Maryland, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $173,222 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886. This figure reflects the local job market's dynamics, especially the demand for controllers, which often leads to 50-60 hour work weeks at understaffed facilities. With salaries ranging from $100,469 at the lower end (P10) to $259,053 at the higher end (P90), air traffic controller pay in Baltimore MD is influenced by various factors, including overtime payments inherent in a field facing chronic staffing challenges. The data on expected earnings are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, projected forward, capturing the local economic conditions and cost of living adjustments that characterize Baltimore's financial landscape.
About the Baltimore Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,469 | $48.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,720 | $59.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,222 | $83.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,725 | $106.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $259,053 | $124.54 |
Median Salary Position
14.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $158,584 (2026 est.). At $173,222, the local median is 14.05% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baltimore Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $173,222/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,904 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.05% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $173,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.05% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 10.40% above the Maryland state average of $156,904.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,222 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $158,483 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,267
2025 BLS Actual
$168,882
2026 Current Est.
$173,222
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,828 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,679 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,222 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,267 (2019) to $168,882 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,407 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $100,469 – $124,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,720 – $173,222 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,222 – $221,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,725 – $259,053 |
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 Baltimore
The local air traffic controller job market is robust, with approximately 105 professionals employed, creating a competitive environment for skilled candidates. The cost of living index in Baltimore stands at 109.3, which is above the national average. Therefore, while salaries may appear substantial, the take-home purchasing power can be impacted by local costs. Employers in the region encompass FAA en route centers and terminal TRACONs, which tend to offer the highest compensation. The variability in pay is influenced by several factors, including the facility type, CPC certification status, and additional compensation through shift differentials and mandatory overtime. Controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider the benefits of working at en route facilities, pursuing higher certification levels, and strategically opting for positions that frequently leverage extra pay opportunities, especially given the ongoing staffing crises affecting the FAA.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
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 $168,882 for air traffic controllersin the Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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