Air Traffic Controller Salary in Frederick, MD: $153,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Frederick, MD earns a median $153,530/year (≈ $73.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Frederick's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $140,467 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Frederick, Maryland are projected to earn a median annual salary of $153,530, slightly above the national median of $151,886. This figure is informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments. With salaries ranging from $89,047 at the lowest decile to as high as $229,624 for the top earners, compensation strategies are significantly influenced by the chronic understaffing in facilities, often leading to 50-60 hour workweeks. Overtime not only ensures operational efficiency but also substantially boosts total earnings for controllers in the area, reflecting a compensation model that emphasizes the demanding nature of the job.
About the Frederick Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,047 | $42.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,542 | $53.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,530 | $73.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,518 | $94.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,624 | $110.40 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frederick
In Frederick, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,577 (2026 est.). At $153,530, the local median is 1.08% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Frederick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Frederick Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Frederick median: $153,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frederick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,983 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.08% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Frederick, MD earn a median of $153,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $156,983.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frederick has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frederick, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,467 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$124,321
2025 BLS Actual
$149,683
2026 Current Est.
$153,530
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,155 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,841 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,683 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,476 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frederick metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,321 (2019) to $149,683 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,476 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,155 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frederick 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) | $89,047 – $110,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,542 – $153,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,530 – $196,518 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,518 – $229,624 |
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 Frederick
With only 15 air traffic controllers employed in the Frederick area, the job market for this role remains competitive amidst a cost-of-living index of 109.3, which indicates higher expenses compared to the national average. Controllers working at FAA en route centers typically command higher salaries due to the complexity of air traffic management, while those at terminal and tower facilities may earn less. A remuneration gap exists shaped by factors such as facility level, CPC certification, and shift differentials, with overtime pay being a significant factor contributing to higher earnings. Strategic career moves, such as seeking positions at prestigious en route centers or advancing certification status, can optimize air traffic controller pay in Frederick, MD. Maximizing earning potential will require a nuanced understanding of these dynamics within the local job market.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Frederick, MD in 2026?
Is Frederick, MD a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Frederick?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Frederick?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Frederick?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $149,683 for air traffic controllersin the Frederick 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 Frederick 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