Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Waldorf, MD: $75.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Waldorf, MD runs $75.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Waldorf's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,469 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waldorf, Maryland, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly pay of $75.70, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This substantial hourly rate offers considerable financial incentives for both full-time and part-time positions, such as those working three days a week. These professionals manage air traffic from various settings, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers, each equipped for their unique operational demands. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn approximately $43.90 per hour, while the most experienced and specialized controllers may reach up to $106.50 per hour. It’s essential to recognize that these rates are based on projected data from 2025 BLS estimates, which translates to valuable insights into the earning potential for both current and aspiring controllers in the area.
About the Waldorf 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) | $43.90 | $351.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.50 | $435.96 |
| Median (P50) | $75.70 | $605.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.89 | $775.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.50 | $851.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waldorf
Based on $75.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.70/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waldorf, MD can expect to earn approximately $157,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,836. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waldorf.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waldorf
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,027.87 | $13,121 | $157,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,816.72 | $7,872 | $94,469 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,211.15 | $5,248 | $62,980 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Waldorf) | $75.70 |
| 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 Waldorf, MD earn a median of $157,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.66% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% above the Maryland state average of $156,974.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.70/hr = $94,469/year (purchasing power: $86,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,449/year (purchasing power: $144,052).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waldorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waldorf grew 20.4% from $61.30/hr (2019) to $73.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.64/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 Waldorf 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 Waldorf
Part-time air traffic controllers in Waldorf, working a typical 24-hour week (three days), can earn a considerable income without committing to full-time hours. Given the median hourly pay, a part-time controller could expect to take home around $59,541 annually, which still represents a significant income compared to many professions. Additionally, many air traffic controllers engage in per-diem work, including shifts at understaffed facilities or during specialized training at various FAA facilities. Overtime is often available and can significantly increase earnings; controllers may find themselves working 50-60 hours a week, substantially boosting an effective hourly rate that can exceed base pay due to time-and-a-half rates. Waldorf's varied employer types—including FAA en route centers and military ATC—offer different pay scales since some controllers might favor higher hourly rates even if it means sacrificing benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating terms effectively, especially in contexts driven by demand for skilled labor in air traffic control, can make a tangible difference in compensation.
More salary data for Waldorf, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waldorf in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Waldorf?
Are air traffic controllers in Waldorf paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Waldorf?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Waldorf?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Waldorf. 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 Waldorf 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