Transportation & Logistics Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median air traffic controller salary in Columbia, MD is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$162,108
vs State Avg
+$10,990
vs National
+$24,728
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median air traffic controller salary of $162,108, which is $10,990 above the Maryland state average of $151,118. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $162,108 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Columbia spans from $96,760 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $136,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,200. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $100,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,200
+$34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $96,760
25th Percentile $127,440
Median (50th) $162,108
75th Percentile $206,500
90th Percentile $233,640

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$167,604
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$157,987
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$148,370
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$144,249
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Columbia

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Columbia

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Columbia, Maryland is $162,108 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $96,760 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,108, a air traffic controller in Columbia earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Columbia's median air traffic controller salary of $162,108 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $151,118. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $162,108 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Columbia 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.