Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $168,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $168,191/year (≈ $80.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $155,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $168,191 in 2026, outperforming the national average by 10.74%. The salary spectrum for this role ranges from $97,551 at the 10th percentile to $242,750 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying responsibilities across different facility tiers—like en route Level 12, terminal Level 11, and tower Level 7. These figures derive from state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the competitive compensation landscape for air traffic controllers in the area. Given the presence of FAA en route centers and terminal facilities, the Bridgeport job market is well-positioned for those looking to advance within the field.
About the Bridgeport Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,551 | $46.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,097 | $58.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $168,191 | $80.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $215,173 | $103.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $242,750 | $116.70 |
Median Salary Position
10.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $145,199 (2026 est.). At $168,191, the local median is 10.74% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgeport Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $168,191/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,929 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +10.74% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $168,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% above the Connecticut state average of $163,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $168,191 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,877 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$136,193
2025 BLS Actual
$163,977
2026 Current Est.
$168,191
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,193 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,679 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,977 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $136,193 (2019) to $163,977 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $172,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,321 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $97,551 – $121,097 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,097 – $168,191 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $168,191 – $215,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $215,173 – $242,750 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Bridgeport
With 21 air traffic controllers currently employed in Bridgeport, the local job market remains stable amidst a rising demand for skilled professionals in this sector. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.9, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may not stretch as far as in areas with lower living costs. Employers such as FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation, particularly for controllers in critical positions managing high-altitude traffic. The salary gap between lower and higher earners can often be attributed to factors such as facility level, CPC certification status, and available shift differentials. Controllers seeking to optimize their air traffic controller pay in Bridgeport, CT, should focus on securing CPC certification, taking advantage of available overtime, and considering positions that offer superior locality pay and benefits.
More salary data for Bridgeport, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $163,977 for air traffic controllersin the Bridgeport metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bridgeport 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