Air Traffic Controller Salary in Maryland (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Air Traffic Controllers in Maryland, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Maryland Median
$131,290
per year
Hourly Rate
$63.12
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-11% vs US median
US median $148,080
State Rank
#22 of 43
70 employed here

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Maryland?

Air Traffic Controllers in Maryland take home a median of $131,290 annually — roughly $63.12 an hour — which runs 11% below the national median of $148,080.

Within Maryland, entry-level pay starts around $96,600 while the top 10% make $169,920 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $118,350 and $164,920 a year.

Air Traffic Controller salary range in Maryland

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$96,600$46.44
25th percentile (early career)$118,350$56.90
50th percentile (median)$131,290$63.12
75th percentile (experienced)$164,920$79.29
90th percentile (top earners)$169,920$81.69

How Maryland compares

Maryland ranks 22nd out of 43 states and territories for Air Traffic Controller pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Virginia$191,820
2Illinois$181,560
3Georgia$178,420
4Colorado$177,380
5Minnesota$176,840

Working as an Air Traffic Controller in Maryland

Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Maryland pay ($131,290) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in Maryland?
The median Air Traffic Controller salary in Maryland is $131,290 per year, or about $63.12 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $96,600 at the entry level to $169,920 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Maryland pay compare to the national average?
Maryland pays Air Traffic Controllers about 11% less than the national median of $148,080. Maryland ranks 22nd out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Maryland a good state for Air Traffic Controllers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $131,290 a year. About 70 Air Traffic Controllers are employed in Maryland. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Maryland?
The highest-paying occupations in Maryland include Radiologist ($581,510), Emergency Medicine Physician ($451,620), Dermatologist ($442,210), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Air Traffic Controller salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.