Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bowie, MD: $156,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bowie, MD earns a median $156,165/year (≈ $75.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bowie's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $142,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bowie, Maryland, the air traffic controller salary reaches a median of $156,165 in 2026, exceeding the national average of $151,886 by 2.82%. The salary range is quite wide, from $90,575 at the lower end to $222,747 for the highest earners, reflecting the dynamics of local employment conditions. Many air traffic controllers work 50 to 60 hours a week, driven by a staffing shortage that compels them to take on significant overtime. These additional hours contribute substantially to their overall compensation, making Bowie an appealing location for controllers seeking to maximize their earnings. The figures mentioned derive from 2025 BLS state-level data and have been adjusted for regional cost of living disparities, which ultimately provide a clearer picture of what air traffic controllers can expect to earn in this specific context.
About the Bowie Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,575 | $43.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,438 | $54.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,165 | $75.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,243 | $95.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,747 | $107.09 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bowie
In Bowie, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,172 (2026 est.). At $156,165, the local median is 2.82% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Bowie: You'd be above the median
How Bowie Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bowie median: $156,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bowie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,950 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.82% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bowie, MD earn a median of $156,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.50% below the Maryland state average of $156,950.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bowie has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bowie, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,165 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,877 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,455
2025 BLS Actual
$152,252
2026 Current Est.
$156,165
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bowie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,976 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,178 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bowie metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,455 (2019) to $152,252 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,723 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bowie 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) | $90,575 – $112,438 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,438 – $156,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,165 – $199,243 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,243 – $222,747 |
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 Bowie
With only 10 air traffic controllers currently employed in Bowie, the local job market remains stable, yet competitive. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, suggesting that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be tempered by living expenses. Employers such as the FAA’s en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities tend to offer the highest compensation among local options. The disparity in pay stems from factors like facility type, certification status, and shift differentials, as controllers at higher-tier en route facilities may command significantly higher compensation than those in tower positions. For aspiring controllers in Bowie, focusing on gaining CPC certification and pursuing opportunities for overtime can be effective strategies for maximizing pay, especially in a market where the need for controllers is acute.
More salary data for Bowie, 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 $152,252 for air traffic controllersin the Bowie 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 Bowie 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