Air Traffic Controller Salary in Catonsville, MD: $149,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Catonsville, MD earns a median $149,831/year (≈ $72.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Catonsville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $137,082 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Catonsville is projected to reach a median of $149,831, making it a competitive choice within the Maryland labor market, albeit slightly below the national median of $151,886. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate a salary range from $86,902 at the 10th percentile to $210,557 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the complexity and demands of the profession. Controllers entering the field typically navigate a certification timeline of 1 to 3 years before achieving full pay, during which they experience developmental pay scales that can significantly influence their early earnings trajectory. As Catonsville continues to contribute to the air traffic management sector, potential candidates can expect solid compensation structures tailored to the local economic environment.
About the Catonsville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,902 | $41.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,350 | $52.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,831 | $72.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,784 | $92.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,557 | $101.23 |
Median Salary Position
1.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Catonsville
In Catonsville, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,655 (2026 est.). At $149,831, the local median is 1.35% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Catonsville: You'd be above the median
How Catonsville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Catonsville median: $149,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Catonsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,891 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -1.35% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Catonsville, MD earn a median of $149,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.35% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Maryland state average of $156,891.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Catonsville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Catonsville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,831 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,082 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,326
2025 BLS Actual
$146,077
2026 Current Est.
$149,831
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Catonsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,682 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Catonsville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $121,326 (2019) to $146,077 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,682 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,356 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Catonsville 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) | $86,902 – $108,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,350 – $149,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,831 – $191,784 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,784 – $210,557 |
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 Catonsville
The job market for air traffic controllers in Catonsville, MD, currently employs only 10 professionals, indicating a niche but stable community dedicated to managing airspace. The local cost of living index is 109.3, which suggests that although the salary might appear robust, purchasing power within this area may be less than in lower-index regions. Employers in Catonsville often include FAA facilities, such as en route centers, which typically offer the highest pay. Factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, and various shift differentials heavily influence the disparity in salaries. Maximizing pay involves pursuing certification, obtaining experience at higher-level facilities, and strategically seeking overtime opportunities. These aspects, coupled with the necessity for controllers to adapt to the ongoing staffing shortages, heighten the appeal of this career path within Catonsville's economic landscape.
More salary data for Catonsville, 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
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 $146,077 for air traffic controllersin the Catonsville 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 Catonsville 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