Transportation & Logistics Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median air traffic controller salary in Baltimore, MD is $148,370 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$148,370
vs State Avg
$-2,748
vs National
+$10,990
Cost of Living
108%

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

Baltimore offers a median air traffic controller salary of $148,370, which is $2,748 below the Maryland state average of $151,118. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore'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 Baltimore 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. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
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 Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$167,604
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$162,108
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$157,987
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$144,249
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Baltimore

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland 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 Baltimore may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Baltimore, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Baltimore, Maryland 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 Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,370, a air traffic controller in Baltimore earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Baltimore's median air traffic controller salary of $148,370 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $151,118. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $148,370 in Baltimore 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 Baltimore? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Baltimore 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.