Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $158,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $158,079/year (≈ $76.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $144,629 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the projected median air traffic controller salary in 2026 is $158,079, representing an attractive increase compared to the national figure of $151,886. Salary range estimates indicate earnings from $91,685 at the 10th percentile to a maximum of $223,706 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments due to regional cost of living variations. With a relatively robust compensation landscape, Gaithersburg appears to offer promising opportunities for air traffic controllers, particularly for those who have completed the FAA’s certification process, which typically involves a developmental pay stage before reaching full compensation.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,685 | $44.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,817 | $54.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,079 | $76.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,341 | $97.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,706 | $107.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,021 (2026 est.). At $158,079, the local median is 4.08% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be above the median
How Gaithersburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $158,079/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $156,980 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.08% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $158,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $156,980.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,079 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,629 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,005
2025 BLS Actual
$154,118
2026 Current Est.
$158,079
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,005 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,738 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,005 (2019) to $154,118 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,136 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $91,685 – $113,817 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,817 – $158,079 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,079 – $202,341 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,341 – $223,706 |
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 Gaithersburg
The job market for air traffic controllers in Gaithersburg remains competitive, with only 14 professionals employed in the region, which highlights a concentrated sector that could benefit from further recruitment. The local cost of living index is 109.3, suggesting that while salaries are comparatively high, they must also account for increased living expenses, impacting overall purchasing power. Among employers, FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest pay, with factors such as facility level, certification status, and shift differentials creating a notable pay gradient. For controllers looking to maximize earnings in Gaithersburg, pursuing certifications, seeking positions at en route facilities, and capitalizing on shift and overtime opportunities are effective strategies to enhance take-home pay. With mandatory retirement at age 56, there's a dynamic need for fresh talent which drives further opportunities in this sector.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, 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 $154,118 for air traffic controllersin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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