Air Traffic Controller Salary in Stratford, CT: $162,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Stratford, CT earns a median $162,343/year (≈ $78.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Stratford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $150,457 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stratford, Connecticut, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $162,343 in 2026, which reflects an increase compared to national figures. The salary range for this occupation ranges from $94,159 at the 10th percentile to as high as $230,598 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities that account for local living costs. Given that many facilities operate with chronic understaffing, controllers often work 50-60 hour weeks, significantly influencing both their base earnings and effective compensation through overtime. This heightened workload creates a substantive financial incentive for those considering a career in air traffic control here.
About the Stratford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,159 | $45.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,803 | $57.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $162,343 | $78.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,175 | $99.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,598 | $110.87 |
Median Salary Position
6.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stratford
In Stratford, CT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $136,439 (2026 est.). At $162,343, the local median is 6.88% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stratford: You'd be above the median
How Stratford Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Stratford median: $162,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stratford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $163,817 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.88% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Stratford, CT earn a median of $162,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $163,817.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stratford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stratford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $162,343 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,457 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,458
2025 BLS Actual
$158,275
2026 Current Est.
$162,343
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,355 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stratford metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,458 (2019) to $158,275 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,057 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stratford 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) | $94,159 – $118,803 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,803 – $162,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $162,343 – $206,175 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,175 – $230,598 |
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 Stratford
The job market in Stratford indicates a concentrated pool of opportunity, with only 13 air traffic controllers currently employed in the area. Though the local cost of living index sits at 107.9, slightly above the national average, it necessitates careful consideration of purchasing power for potential earners. Employers in the vicinity, such as the FAA’s en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, generally offer the most competitive salaries, with en route positions typically commanding higher pay. Factors driving the variance in compensation include the facility type, controller certification status, and the prevalence of mandatory overtime due to staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Stratford CT, pursuing CPC certification and seeking opportunities in high-tier facilities can be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Stratford, 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 $158,275 for air traffic controllersin the Stratford 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 Stratford 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