Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pottstown, PA: $139,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pottstown, PA earns a median $139,522/year (≈ $67.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pottstown's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $143,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania can expect to earn a median annual salary of $139,522, which reflects local adjustments based on state-level data and regional price parities. The salary range for these professionals spans from $80,923 at the 10th percentile to $195,335 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential for those at the higher end of the pay spectrum. Interestingly, this figure comes in about 8.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 for the same year. For those aspiring to enter the field or advance their careers, it’s essential to consider that achieving fully certified professional controller (CPC) status typically takes 1 to 3 years, during which pay progressively increases as controllers gain experience and transition from a developmental role to full certification.
About the Pottstown Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,923 | $38.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,780 | $50.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,522 | $67.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,391 | $85.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,335 | $93.91 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pottstown
In Pottstown, PA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,412 (2026 est.). At $139,522, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pottstown: You'd be above the median
How Pottstown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pottstown median: $139,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pottstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $147,955 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pottstown, PA earn a median of $139,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.70% below the Pennsylvania state average of $147,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pottstown 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.
Pottstown, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,522 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,246 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,978
2025 BLS Actual
$136,026
2026 Current Est.
$139,522
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pottstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,197 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,108 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pottstown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,978 (2019) to $136,026 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,108 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,130 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pottstown 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) | $80,923 – $105,780 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,780 – $139,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,522 – $177,391 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,391 – $195,335 |
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 Pottstown
Currently, six air traffic controllers are employed in Pottstown, emphasizing a specialized job market that, while limited in size, holds potential for growth given the projected annual salary increase of 2.57%. The cost of living in Pottstown is slightly below the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 97.4, leading to a more favorable purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, the FAA's terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) facilities generally offer higher salaries than airport traffic control towers, which could help inform job seekers about where to target their applications. Compensation variations can also arise from multiple factors, including facility types; those in higher-tier en route facilities often command higher pay due to their level of responsibility. Factors driving pay discrepancies include CPC certification impacts, overtime opportunities due to chronic staffing shortages, and locality pay, with the potential for lucrative shifts during weekends or holidays making this market enticing for controllers willing to maximize their earnings in Pottstown.
More salary data for Pottstown, 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 $136,026 for air traffic controllersin the Pottstown 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 Pottstown 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