Transportation & Logistics Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median air traffic controller salary in Silver Spring, MD is $167,604 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$167,604
vs State Avg
+$16,486
vs National
+$30,224
Cost of Living
122%

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

Silver Spring offers a median air traffic controller salary of $167,604, which is $16,486 above the Maryland state average of $151,118. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $167,604 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Silver Spring spans from $100,040 at the 10th percentile to $241,560 at the 90th percentile — a $141,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,800. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $103,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,700
+$18,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$170,800
+$30,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,800
+$41,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $100,040
25th Percentile $131,760
Median (50th) $167,604
75th Percentile $213,500
90th Percentile $241,560

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$162,108
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $167,604 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $100,040 (10th percentile) to $241,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $167,604, a air traffic controller in Silver Spring earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median air traffic controller salary of $167,604 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $151,118. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $167,604 in Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Silver Spring 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.