Air Traffic Controller Salary in 2026
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, ensuring safe distances between planes. They direct takeoffs, landings, and routing in all weather conditions.
Median Salary
$128,000
$10,667/mo
Entry Level
$81,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$167,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Air Traffic Controller Overview
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, ensuring safe distances between planes. They direct takeoffs, landings, and routing in all weather conditions.
Education
Associate's Degree + FAA Training
Experience
FAA Academy
Industry
Transportation
Total Jobs (US)
24K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Transportation
Hourly Rate
$61.54/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,667
Air Traffic Controller Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Air Traffic Controller salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Air Traffic Controller Salary
$138,000
$11,500/month · $5,308/biweekly · $66.35/hr
Air Traffic Controller Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Air Traffic Controller field.
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers earn around $81,000, while the top 10% earn $183,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Air Traffic Controllers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $151,000 | +$23,000 |
| Virginia | $136,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $133,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $125,000 | $-3,000 |
| Georgia | $124,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Air Traffic Controllers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $147,000 | +$19,000 |
| Los Angeles | $143,000 | +$15,000 |
| Chicago | $134,000 | +$6,000 |
| Dallas | $128,000 | $0 |
| Atlanta | $125,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Air Traffic Controller Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Air Traffic Controller from entry level to expert.
$81,000
0-2 years
$124,000
3-7 years
$167,000
8-14 years
$200,000
15+ years
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Air Traffic Controller Salary FAQ
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