Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chester, PA: $142,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chester, PA earns a median $142,953/year (≈ $68.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $146,769 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $142,953 in 2026, which reflects a strategic point in their career development. With salaries ranging from $83,582 at the lower end (P10) to $195,744 for the most experienced (P90), these figures are informed by BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. While this median falls roughly 5.88% below the national average of $151,886, the role offers a clear trajectory for growth. Controllers typically take about 1-3 years to reach full certification (CPC), which often results in significant pay increases as they advance from developmental stages to certified positions.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,582 | $40.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,452 | $50.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,953 | $68.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,063 | $85.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,744 | $94.11 |
Median Salary Position
5.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chester
In Chester, PA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,162 (2026 est.). At $142,953, the local median is 5.88% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chester: You'd be above the median
How Chester Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chester median: $142,953/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $147,984 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.88% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chester, PA earn a median of $142,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.88% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chester has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chester, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,953 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,769 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,757
2025 BLS Actual
$139,371
2026 Current Est.
$142,953
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,757 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,371 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,627 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chester metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,757 (2019) to $139,371 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,627 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,870 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chester 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) | $83,582 – $105,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,452 – $142,953 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,953 – $178,063 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,063 – $195,744 |
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 Chester
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Chester is modest, with only five individuals currently employed in this role. This limited number could indicate a niche job market but may also reflect the broader industry trend of chronic understaffing within the FAA. Chester boasts a cost of living index of 97.4, which means that while salaries may not be as competitive as in larger metropolitan areas, they offer reasonable take-home purchasing power for local residents. Among the most lucrative employers in Chester are FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, which typically pay higher wages compared to airport traffic control towers and smaller contract towers. To maximize earnings, controllers should consider shifts that offer significant differentials—up to 100% on holidays—and pursue overtime opportunities, as the staffing situation in many areas remains critical. Engaging in continuous professional development and targeting advanced roles could further enhance their pay potential in the Chester market.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
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 $139,371 for air traffic controllersin the Chester 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 Chester 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