Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $78.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bristol, CT runs $78.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Bristol, Connecticut, earn a median hourly rate of $78.16, surpassing the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate is reflective of the critical nature of their work at various control facilities. For part-time controllers, like those working three days a week, this translates into a promising paycheck — with the potential to earn around $1,400 weekly in a 24-hour work schedule. In the control environments typical for this occupation, including en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities, controllers operate in focused settings, often with limited natural light. The hourly compensation ranges significantly, starting at $45.34 for entry-level positions and soaring to $116.02 for the most experienced professionals. These figures are derived from expected annual salaries, which highlights the attractive pay structure of air traffic controller hourly pay in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.34 | $362.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.34 | $458.69 |
| Median (P50) | $78.16 | $625.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.05 | $800.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.02 | $928.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $78.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $162,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,790. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,126.33 | $13,547 | $162,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,875.80 | $8,128 | $97,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,250.53 | $5,419 | $65,028 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bristol) | $78.16 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bristol, CT earn a median of $162,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $163,888.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.16/hr = $97,542/year (purchasing power: $90,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,569/year (purchasing power: $150,667).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bristol grew 20.4% from $63.29/hr (2019) to $76.20/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Bristol
For controllers who opt for part-time work rather than full-time, the annual income can significantly differ. A part-time air traffic controller working a three-day schedule may take home about $72,000 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who can expect much higher figures, particularly factoring in opportunities for overtime. Many facilities are often understaffed, leading to significant mandatory overtime rates that can drive total compensation beyond base hourly pay, with controllers frequently working 50-60 hours a week. This scenario creates a lucrative environment for those pursuing per diem air traffic controller pay in Bristol. Additionally, hourly rates can vary depending on the facility type, with FAA en route centers typically offering higher pay than FAA contract towers or military stations. Negotiating a competitive hourly wage in Bristol requires an understanding of these variances, especially for those weighing the benefits of accepting slightly lower pay for better health insurance options versus a higher per-hour rate without additional benefits.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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