Air Traffic Controller Salary
Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow.
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level air traffic controllers earn around $85,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $140,000. Senior-level air traffic controllers can earn $190,000 or more.
You May Qualify for Premium Rewards
Professionals earning $137,380+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.
View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for air traffic controllers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $82,000, while the top 10% earn $198,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $82,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $137,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,000 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by State
Air Traffic Controller salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $233,546, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $114,025.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $233,546 | Details → |
| #2 California | $189,584 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $185,463 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $170,351 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $167,604 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $157,987 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $157,987 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $153,866 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $151,118 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $151,118 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $144,249 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $144,249 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $144,249 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $142,875 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $138,754 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $138,754 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $134,632 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $134,632 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $133,259 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $133,259 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $133,259 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $133,259 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $131,885 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $130,511 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $130,511 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $129,137 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $127,763 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $127,763 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $126,390 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $126,390 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $126,390 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $126,390 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $125,016 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $123,642 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $123,642 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $123,642 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $123,642 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $123,642 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $122,268 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $122,268 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $122,268 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $120,894 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $120,894 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $119,521 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $119,521 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $119,521 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $118,147 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $115,399 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $115,399 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $114,025 | Details → |
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Air Traffic Controllers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $52,620 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Key Responsibilities
- ● Direct aircraft movements
- ● Monitor radar screens
- ● Issue takeoff/landing instructions
- ● Manage aircraft separation
- ● Coordinate with airport operations
Top Skills
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
As fast as average — projected 3% growth over the next decade
Open to New Air Traffic Controller Opportunities?
Get matched with recruiters hiring air traffic controllers at competitive salaries. We'll connect you with opportunities — no spam, no job boards.
Or browse open positions directly: