Air Traffic Controller Salary in Towson, MD: $154,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Towson, MD earns a median $154,760/year (≈ $74.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Towson's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $141,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Towson, Maryland, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $154,760, which reflects a modest increase compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $89,761 and the highest reaching around $227,874. This compensation spectrum is informed by local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. Importantly, the tier of the facility—whether en route, terminal, or tower—substantially influences pay, with en route Level 12 facilities typically offering higher wages than terminal Level 11 or tower Level 7 positions. The local air traffic controller job market in Towson, though employing just 11 individuals, reflects these dynamics and provides prospects that align closely with national trends.
About the Towson Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,761 | $43.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,422 | $54.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,760 | $74.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,092 | $95.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,874 | $109.56 |
Median Salary Position
1.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Towson
In Towson, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,113 (2026 est.). At $154,760, the local median is 1.89% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Towson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Towson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Towson median: $154,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Towson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,957 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.89% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Towson, MD earn a median of $154,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.89% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Maryland state average of $156,957.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Towson has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Towson, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,760 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,592 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,317
2025 BLS Actual
$150,882
2026 Current Est.
$154,760
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,205 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Towson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,317 (2019) to $150,882 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,420 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Towson 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) | $89,761 – $112,422 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,422 – $154,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,760 – $198,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,092 – $227,874 |
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 Towson
Delving into the specifics of air traffic controller pay in Towson, MD reveals a nuanced local job market characterized by a cost-of-living index of 109.3. This figure indicates living expenses are above the national average, which can affect actual purchasing power for controllers. While en route centers may offer the highest pay opportunities, FAA terminal radar approach control facilities and even military air traffic control jobs also contribute to competitive salary structures. A mix of certifications, facility-level, and additional compensation factors like shift differentials, abundant overtime, and locality pay determine the breadth in earnings. To maximize salary in this market, controllers may consider strategic career moves toward higher-tier facilities, pursuing certifications that enhance qualifications, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities to boost take-home income significantly.
More salary data for Towson, 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 $150,882 for air traffic controllersin the Towson 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 Towson 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