Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Vernon, CT: $76.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Vernon, CT runs $76.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Vernon's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vernon, Connecticut, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $76.07, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the demanding nature of the job, which can involve shifts at various facilities like en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a significant income, particularly when considering the high pressure of working in radar control rooms or next to busy airport runways. Entry-level positions may start at around $44.27 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $103.82, illustrating a broad range in earning potential for this specialized occupation.
About the Vernon 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) | $44.27 | $354.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.02 | $448.19 |
| Median (P50) | $76.07 | $608.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.71 | $757.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.82 | $830.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vernon
Based on $76.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.07/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vernon, CT can expect to earn approximately $158,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,279. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vernon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vernon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,042.64 | $13,185 | $158,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,825.58 | $7,911 | $94,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,217.05 | $5,274 | $63,287 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Vernon) | $76.07 |
| 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 Vernon, CT earn a median of $158,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Connecticut state average of $163,949.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.07/hr = $94,930/year (purchasing power: $87,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,217/year (purchasing power: $146,633).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vernon grew 20.4% from $61.59/hr (2019) to $74.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.02/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 Vernon 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 Vernon
Part-time air traffic controllers in Vernon, working a typical 24-hour week, could see their annual earnings vary significantly compared to full-timers. While full-time positions often offer overtime opportunities, with many controllers working 50-60 hours weekly and bringing home an additional $50k-$100k in overtime, part-timers may find this compensation appealing but limited. Agencies and contractors in the region provide per-diem air traffic controller pay, reflecting the evolving work environment where flexibility is key. Employment settings differ markedly; for instance, controllers at FAA en route facilities typically enjoy a more favorable compensation structure compared to those at smaller contract towers. Although some air traffic controllers might opt for positions with lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, the potential for robust earnings, especially through overtime, remains enticing. In negotiating pay, understanding local market conditions and facility-specific pay scales can help professionals maximize their earnings in the competitive landscape of air traffic control in Vernon, CT.
More salary data for Vernon, 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 Vernon. 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 Vernon 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