Air Traffic Controller Salary in Colchester, VT: $145,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Colchester, VT earns a median $145,518/year (≈ $69.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $140,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Colchester, VT, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers stands at $145,518 in 2026, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. While salaries in Colchester range widely from $84,401 at the 10th percentile to $203,642 at the 90th percentile, these figures underscore the potential for substantial earnings in this profession. Air traffic controllers entering the field typically undergo a certification process that can span 1-3 years, during which they may earn significantly less as developmental controllers. Understanding these economic dynamics is critical for prospective candidates considering a career in air traffic control in Colchester, especially given the unique job demands and growth potential in the area.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,401 | $40.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,984 | $51.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,518 | $69.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,960 | $88.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,642 | $97.90 |
Median Salary Position
4.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,241 (2026 est.). At $145,518, the local median is 4.19% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be above the median
How Colchester Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Colchester median: $145,518/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $157,147 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.19% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Colchester, VT earn a median of $145,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $157,147.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,518 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,597 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,834
2025 BLS Actual
$141,872
2026 Current Est.
$145,518
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,952 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,706 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,258 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,834 (2019) to $141,872 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,258 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,424 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $84,401 – $106,984 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,984 – $145,518 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,518 – $184,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,960 – $203,642 |
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 Colchester
Focused on employment, Colchester has 4 air traffic controllers, showing a niche market that may present both challenges and opportunities for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 103.5, the economic realities in the area slightly exceed the national average, impacting take-home pay for controllers. Job prospects can vary depending on the facilities, as pay can differ significantly between the FAA's en route centers, terminal TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. To maximize earnings, controllers should aim for positions in higher-paying en route centers, pursue CPC certification to move away from developmental pay, and capitalize on shifting schedules that offer lucrative differentials, particularly for weekends and holidays. In a market where chronic understaffing often leads to abundant overtime, strategic positioning is essential to enhance overall compensation in the Colchester air traffic controller pay landscape.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Colchester, VT in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Colchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Colchester?
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Related Pages
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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 $141,872 for air traffic controllersin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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