Transportation & Logistics Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland, Maine

The median air traffic controller salary in Portland, ME is $148,370 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$148,370
vs State Avg
+$13,738
vs National
+$10,990
Cost of Living
108%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median air traffic controller salary of $148,370, which is $13,738 above the Maine state average of $134,632. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Portland spans from $88,560 at the 10th percentile to $213,840 at the 90th percentile — a $125,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $205,200. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $91,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $205,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,800
+$6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,200
+$11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$205,200
+$15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $88,560
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $148,370
75th Percentile $189,000
90th Percentile $213,840

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$144,249
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$126,390
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$123,642
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$122,268
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Portland

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Portland

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portland

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Portland, Maine is $148,370 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $88,560 (10th percentile) to $213,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,370, a air traffic controller in Portland earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Portland's median air traffic controller salary of $148,370 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $134,632. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $148,370 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Portland? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.