Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Biddeford, ME: $192,700 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Biddeford, ME — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,700/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Biddeford's price premium (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,474 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$192,700
Top 10% Earn
$92.64/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$177,221
75th Percentile
$192,700
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Biddeford, ME — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Biddeford, ME air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Senior air traffic controllers in Biddeford, Maine can expect to see substantial earning potential in 2026, with top earners reaching a remarkable $192,700 annually. Those navigating the highest pay tier, like the P75 earners at $177,221, benefit from significant experience premiums in a competitive market. The median salary for experienced professionals in this field sits at $143,129, illustrating the considerable financial gap that exists between those with extensive expertise and their less experienced counterparts. Achieving such top-tier income typically requires not only years of dedicated service but also specialized training and certifications that position controllers as industry leaders capable of handling the complexities of air traffic management.

About the Biddeford Market

Salary estimated from Maine average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biddeford

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Biddeford. The median salary is $143,129, compared to the national median of $151,886.$74.7K$106.6K$138.5K$170.4K$202.3K$83.0K10th Pctl$103.1K25th Pctl$143.1KMedian$177.2K75th Pctl$192.7K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Biddeford earn between $177,221 and $192,700 per year (2026 est.). This $109,685 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Biddeford median of $143,129 sits 5.77% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Biddeford metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelBiddefordNational
Median (P50)$143,129$151,886
75th Percentile$177,221$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$192,700$221,151

In Biddeford, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 34.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Biddeford

1

Advanced Certifications in Maine

ME air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $143,129 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Biddeford employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Biddeford command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,221–$192,700 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Biddeford metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Biddeford with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Air Traffic Controllers in Maine who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Biddeford

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$83,015 – $143,129

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$143,129 – $177,221

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$177,221+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Biddeford ranks #5 of 10 Maine cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $192,700).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Biddeford ($192,700) is 11.21% above the Maine average P90 ($173,279).

2019 BLS Actual

$153,637

2025 BLS Actual

$187,872

2026 Current Est.

$192,700

2019–2027 Growth

+28.6%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Biddeford (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Biddeford. Baseline $153,637 in 2025, projected to $197,653 by 2027.$144.8K$160.2K$175.6K$191.1K$206.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$153.6K$161.0K$162.1K$165.4K$175.1K$158.5K$187.9K$192.7K$197.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$153,637Actual
2020$161,008Actual
2021$162,063Actual
2022$165,382Actual
2023$175,133Actual
2024$158,510Actual
2025$187,872Actual
2026(current)$192,700Estimated
2027$197,653Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Biddeford saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $153,637 in 2019 to $187,872 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $197,653 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Biddeford

Compensation packages for senior air traffic controllers can vary significantly depending on the specifics of their specialization and the employment context. Specializations in en route/radar positions command the highest salaries, with terminal radar, military ATC, and traffic management coordinator roles offering competitive pay as well. The distinctions between positions held at FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, ATCTs, and military bases play a critical role in determining pay scales. For instance, controllers in high-altitude traffic settings might earn more than those managing localized terminal operations. Career advancement paths also present significant opportunities for increased earnings; moving from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) and eventually to leadership roles such as operations supervisor or facility manager can translate into higher pay brackets. Additionally, advanced credentials, along with factors like shifts, overtime availability (which is common in the industry due to chronic understaffing), and locality pay, further influence compensation. Thus, for senior air traffic controllers in Biddeford, strategic career moves and the pursuit of additional qualifications can be critical in maximizing their earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Biddeford in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Biddeford (90th percentile) make $192,700/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $49,571 more than the area median of $143,129 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Biddeford?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Biddeford is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Biddeford?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Biddeford include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $143,129, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Biddeford?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Biddeford is $192,700, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Biddeford?

In Biddeford, the gap between entry level ($83,015) and top earners ($192,700) is $109,685, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $187,872 for air traffic controllers in the Biddeford metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Biddeford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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