Air Traffic Controller Salary in the United States
Based on 13K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$56,947
$27.378/hr
▲ 2.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$55K – $163K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
13K
workers nationwide
Air Traffic Controller salary in the United States averages $55,556 annually, according to current employment data. With approximately 14,150 workers currently employed in this critical role, air traffic controllers earn competitive compensation reflecting the high responsibility and specialized skills required for managing aviation safety across the nation's airspace.
Air Traffic Controller salary in the United States varies considerably based on several factors, including experience level, geographic location, and facility type. Controllers working at busy urban airports or major hubs typically earn toward the higher end of the $49,620 to $117,290 range, while those at smaller regional facilities may earn less. Federal employment status, shift differentials, and years of service also significantly influence total compensation packages for air traffic controllers.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,990 |
| 25th percentile | $61,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,947 |
| 75th percentile | $159,490 |
| 90th percentile | $163,350 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Air Traffic Controller
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky | $123,290 | +116.5% | 290 |
| 2 | Washington | $84,050 | +47.6% | 150 |
| 3 | Alabama | $78,590 | +38.0% | — |
| 4 | Arizona | $77,570 | +36.2% | 160 |
| 5 | Colorado | $77,500 | +36.1% | 70 |
| 6 | Oregon | $75,130 | +31.9% | 50 |
| 7 | Virginia | $72,250 | +26.9% | 280 |
| 8 | Alaska | $71,510 | +25.6% | 160 |
| 9 | New Mexico | $69,090 | +21.3% | 50 |
| 10 | Georgia | $66,790 | +17.3% | 340 |
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make per hour in the United States?
- Air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $27/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $55,556/year, though hourly rates can vary based on experience and location.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers?
- The salary range for air traffic controllers in the United States spans from $49,620 to $117,290 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, location, and facility complexity.
Which city pays air traffic controllers the most?
- Washington offers the highest salary for air traffic controllers at $82,540/year, significantly above the national median of $55,556/year. This premium likely reflects the concentration of major airports and federal facilities in the area.
How many air traffic controllers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 14,150 air traffic controllers currently employed across the United States. This represents the total workforce in this specialized aviation field.