Air Traffic Controller Salary in Arizona
Based on 160+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$77,570
$37.29/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
+36.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $102K
160 employed in Arizona
Air Traffic Controller salary in Arizona averages $77,570 annually, significantly outpacing the national average by 36 percent. With 160 workers currently employed in this critical aviation role, Arizona offers competitive compensation that reflects the state's substantial air traffic infrastructure and operational demands at its major airports.
Several factors influence Air Traffic Controller salary in Arizona, including experience level, facility type, and shift assignments. Controllers working at busy hub airports or handling complex radar operations typically earn toward the higher end of the $52,720 to $101,960 range. Federal pay scales, staffing needs, and the cost of living in major Arizona cities also contribute to overall compensation variations across the state.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,720 |
| 25th percentile | $62,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,570 |
| 75th percentile | $88,420 |
| 90th percentile | $101,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,140 |
| 2023 | $76,880 |
| 2024 | $80,260 |
| 2025 | $77,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,570 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,140 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $76,880 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $80,260 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $77,570 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,570 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $88,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $101,960 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Air Traffic Controller ($77,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in AZ | $227,870 | +193.8% | $109.55/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in AZ | $78,550 | +1.3% | $37.76/hr |
| Plumber in AZ | $62,070 | -20.0% | $29.84/hr |
| Electrician in AZ | $61,060 | -21.3% | $29.36/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in AZ | $49,570 | -36.1% | $23.83/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in AZ | $47,620 | -38.6% | $22.89/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AZ | $46,590 | -39.9% | $22.40/hr |
| Logistician in AZ | $77,620 | +0.1% | $37.32/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in AZ | $77,070 | -0.6% | $37.05/hr |
| Credit Analyst in AZ | $77,020 | -0.7% | $37.03/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in AZ | $76,420 | -1.5% | $36.74/hr |
| Police Officer in AZ | $78,880 | +1.7% | $37.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Arizona?
- Air traffic controllers in Arizona earn a median salary of $77,570 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 36.2% higher than the national average for this position, making Arizona a lucrative state for this career.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers in Arizona?
- The salary range for air traffic controllers in Arizona spans from $52,720 to $101,960 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and facility type within the state.
Is air traffic controller pay in Arizona above the national average?
- Yes, air traffic controller salaries in Arizona are significantly above the national average, with Arizona positions paying 36.2% more than the national median. The state's median of $77,570 annually reflects strong demand and compensation in the field.
How many air traffic controllers are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 160 air traffic controllers currently employed in Arizona. This represents the active workforce in the state managing air traffic at various facilities and airports.