Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Groton, CT: $76.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Groton, CT runs $76.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,859 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Groton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Groton, Connecticut, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $76.37, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate provides attractive options for those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in various engaging environments such as en route centers and airport towers. Controllers who work part-time, for instance, could potentially earn a comfortable income while working just three days a week. The hourly pay varies significantly based on experience and skills, ranging from $44.30 for entry-level positions to as much as $109.56 for the most experienced professionals in the field. These figures are derived from annual salary data, presenting a clear picture of the opportunity for both new recruits and seasoned veterans within Groton's airports.
About the Groton 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) | $44.30 | $354.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.63 | $453.03 |
| Median (P50) | $76.37 | $610.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.76 | $782.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.56 | $876.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Groton
Based on $76.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.37/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Groton, CT can expect to earn approximately $158,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,648. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Groton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Groton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,054.94 | $13,238 | $158,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,832.97 | $7,943 | $95,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,221.98 | $5,295 | $63,543 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Groton) | $76.37 |
| 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 Groton, CT earn a median of $158,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $163,942.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.37/hr = $95,314/year (purchasing power: $88,336).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,857/year (purchasing power: $147,226).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Groton grew 20.4% from $61.84/hr (2019) to $74.46/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.34/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 Groton 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 Groton
For air traffic controllers in Groton, the realities of part-time and per-diem work can significantly influence annual earnings. A part-time controller working approximately 24 hours per week can expect a substantial annual income, but those willing to take on full-time positions may capitalize on overtime opportunities that substantially boost their earnings. Many controllers are required to work 50-60 hours a week due to frequent understaffing, dramatically increasing their effective hourly compensation beyond the base rates. The type of facility can further impact pay; for instance, FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically offer different benefits compared to contractual towers. Trade-offs often accompany hourly rates, as some controllers might choose lower-paying positions with comprehensive health benefits over higher hourly wages that lack such offerings. Negotiation can be key in this context, and it’s vital for controllers to understand the pay structures within various employment types available in Groton, CT, to maximize their career potential.
More salary data for Groton, 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 Groton. 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 Groton 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