Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Annapolis, MD: $73.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Annapolis, MD runs $73.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Annapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $67.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Annapolis, Maryland, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $73.80, slightly higher than the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the competitive compensation typically found in various work settings, such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time air traffic controllers, working three days a week could yield substantial earnings while allowing for flexible schedules. The hourly pay range spans from $42.80 at the entry-level to $107.34 for top earners, emphasizing the potential financial rewards as one progresses in their career. These figures are informed by estimates derived from annual salary data, tailoring the insights specifically for hourly compensation structures.
About the Annapolis Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.80 | $342.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.13 | $425.05 |
| Median (P50) | $73.80 | $590.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.39 | $731.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.34 | $858.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Annapolis
Based on $73.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Annapolis, MD can expect to earn approximately $153,502 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,559. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Annapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Annapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,951.96 | $12,792 | $153,502 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,771.18 | $7,675 | $92,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,180.79 | $5,117 | $61,401 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Annapolis) | $73.80 |
| 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 Annapolis, MD earn a median of $153,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $156,950.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.80/hr = $92,101/year (purchasing power: $84,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,502/year (purchasing power: $140,441).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Annapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Annapolis grew 20.4% from $59.76/hr (2019) to $71.95/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.70/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 Annapolis 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 Annapolis
For those considering part-time work, assuming a schedule of 3 days per week at 24 hours monthly could lead to an annual income of approximately $90,576. In contrast, full-time air traffic controllers often work additional hours to alleviate staffing shortages, with many working beyond the standard 40 hours, leading to significant overtime compensation. This overtime can elevate total earnings substantially, with controllers frequently seeing an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in pay, depending on facility demand. In Annapolis, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; FAA en route centers generally offer competitive pay, while smaller contract towers may provide slightly lower rates. Controllers sometimes make strategic choices, opting for positions with lower hourly pay but offering better benefits, particularly health insurance, over those with higher pay but no benefits. As air traffic controllers negotiate their pay – especially under conditions of chronic understaffing – understanding the particulars of their role and market rates can be crucial for securing optimal hourly wages in Annapolis.
More salary data for Annapolis, MD:
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 Annapolis. 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 Annapolis 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