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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Biddeford | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBiddeford 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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,637 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,382 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $187,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,700 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,653 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford 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.
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.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Biddeford in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Biddeford?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Biddeford?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Biddeford?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Biddeford?
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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
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).
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