Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laurel, MD: $149,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Laurel, MD earns a median $149,076/year (≈ $71.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $136,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salary in Laurel, MD is shaped by a fast-tracked certification process that typically sees controllers reaching full pay within 1 to 3 years of entry. In 2026, the projected median salary stands at $149,076, reflecting a local context with a salary range varying from $86,464 at the lower 10th percentile to as high as $213,336 for top earners. These figures are part of a comprehensive analysis adapted from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variances. While this median aligns closely with nationwide trends, it's vital to consider Laurel's job market dynamics, especially as the area employs only six air traffic controllers.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,464 | $41.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,335 | $51.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,076 | $71.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $190,817 | $91.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,336 | $102.57 |
Median Salary Position
1.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,872 (2026 est.). At $149,076, the local median is 1.85% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Laurel median: $149,076/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,922 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -1.85% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel, MD earn a median of $149,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $156,922.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,076 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,392 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,715
2025 BLS Actual
$145,341
2026 Current Est.
$149,076
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,839 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,908 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,715 (2019) to $145,341 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,908 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,193 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $86,464 – $107,335 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,335 – $149,076 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,076 – $190,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $190,817 – $213,336 |
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 Laurel
In terms of air traffic controller pay in Laurel MD, the cost of living index of 109.3 suggests that the purchasing power may be slightly restricted compared to national averages. Key employers in the area include FAA en route facilities, which typically offer higher salaries than terminal or tower positions, highlighting a tiered pay structure largely dependent on facility levels and certification status. Controllers can maximize earnings through overtime opportunities, as the FAA frequently deals with staffing shortages and requires mandatory overtime. Additionally, shifts that fall on weekends or holidays come with substantial premiums, further enhancing potential pay. Understanding these nuances is essential for those looking to enter or progress in the local air traffic control market, ensuring they make informed decisions towards maximizing their compensation in Laurel.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 $145,341 for air traffic controllersin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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