Air Traffic Controller Salary in Glen Burnie, MD: $155,680 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Glen Burnie, MD earns a median $155,680/year (≈ $74.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Glen Burnie's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $142,434 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Glen Burnie, Maryland, are set to earn a median annual salary of $155,680 in 2026, notably above the national average of $151,886. This figure reflects the unique working conditions in the area, where controllers often face 50-60 hour weeks at understaffed facilities, leading to significant overtime compensation. The salary spectrum ranges from $90,294 at the 10th percentile to $221,582 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential based on experience and the specific facility type. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, emphasize the competitive nature of the job market in Glen Burnie, particularly for those aiming to capitalize on overtime opportunities.
About the Glen Burnie Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,294 | $43.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,196 | $54.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,680 | $74.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,982 | $95.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,582 | $106.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glen Burnie
In Glen Burnie, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,288 (2026 est.). At $155,680, the local median is 2.5% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glen Burnie: You'd be above the median
How Glen Burnie Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Glen Burnie median: $155,680/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glen Burnie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,935 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.50% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Glen Burnie, MD earn a median of $155,680 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Maryland state average of $156,935.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glen Burnie has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glen Burnie, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,680 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $142,434 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,062
2025 BLS Actual
$151,779
2026 Current Est.
$155,680
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Glen Burnie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,779 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,680 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,681 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glen Burnie metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,062 (2019) to $151,779 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,681 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,619 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glen Burnie 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) | $90,294 – $114,196 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,196 – $155,680 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,680 – $197,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,982 – $221,582 |
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 Glen Burnie
In Glen Burnie, there are currently 14 air traffic controllers employed, indicating a concentrated but stable local job market. Given the city's cost-of-living index of 109.3, which is slightly above the national average, controllers' take-home pay must also account for higher expenses associated with living in the area. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer higher salaries compared to terminal radar approach control and airport traffic control towers, largely due to their complex responsibilities. Factors that influence pay include facility level, certification status, and shift differentials, as controllers can earn additional pay for night and holiday shifts. Understanding these dynamics is key for maximizing compensation. Potential entrants should investigate FAA career pathways, including the CTI program and military experience, to enhance employment prospects in a competitive environment that demands qualified and reliable personnel, especially given the looming challenges of retirements and ongoing staffing shortages.
More salary data for Glen Burnie, 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 $151,779 for air traffic controllersin the Glen Burnie 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 Glen Burnie 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