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
Related Transportation Jobs
Air Traffic Controller Salary FAQ
Methodology & Data Sources — Air Traffic Controller Salary
How we calculate Air Traffic Controller salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $128,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Air Traffic Controller in the Transportation sector.
- Entry-level ($81,000) and senior-level ($167,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 24K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Transportation sector wages.
- Education requirement: Associate's Degree + FAA Training, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $128,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Air Traffic Controller compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Air Traffic Controller job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Transportation
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Air Traffic Controller salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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