Air Traffic Controller Salary in College Park, MD: $153,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in College Park, MD earns a median $153,192/year (≈ $73.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in College Park's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $140,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In College Park, Maryland, the air traffic controller salary stands at a median of $153,192 in 2026, reflecting the interplay of overtime demand and workforce shortages at local facilities. With a salary range spanning from $88,851 at the 10th percentile to $222,223 at the 90th percentile, these figures illustrate the potential for controllers in the area to significantly enhance their earnings through extended hours. The provided data, based on 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, reveals that local compensation is slightly above the national median of $151,886, suggesting a competitive market for skilled controllers. Airlines and other employers are recognizing the need for quality traffic management, translating into robust salary offerings for those stepping into this critical role.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,851 | $42.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,299 | $53.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,192 | $73.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,086 | $94.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,223 | $106.84 |
Median Salary Position
0.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in College Park
In College Park, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,372 (2026 est.). At $153,192, the local median is 0.86% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in College Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How College Park Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
College Park median: $153,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | College Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,959 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.86% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in College Park, MD earn a median of $153,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.86% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the Maryland state average of $156,959.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
College Park has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
College Park, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,192 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,157 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,048
2025 BLS Actual
$149,354
2026 Current Est.
$153,192
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,129 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the College Park metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,048 (2019) to $149,354 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,081 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Park 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) | $88,851 – $110,299 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,299 – $153,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,192 – $196,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,086 – $222,223 |
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 College Park
Despite the robust salary projection for air traffic controller pay in College Park, MD, the local job market is relatively small, with only six controllers reported as employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index at 109.3, controllers must be strategic about maximizing take-home pay to effectively manage expenses. The highest earners typically work in FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, where responsibilities demand significant expertise and certification. The pay scale varies considerably based on facility tier, with En Route Level 12 controllers earning substantially more than their terminal or tower counterparts. Additionally, factors like overtime availability, shift differentials, and CPC certification status significantly influence the pay spectrum. In this context, aspirants should consider facilities with higher staffing needs, pursue developmental certifications, and seek positions that offer structured overtime opportunities, which are often abundant due to ongoing understaffing challenges faced by the FAA.
More salary data for College Park, 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 $149,354 for air traffic controllersin the College Park 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 College Park 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