Transportation & Logistics Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median air traffic controller salary in Tucson, AZ is $127,763 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$127,763
vs State Avg
$-5,496
vs National
$-9,617
Cost of Living
93%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median air traffic controller salary of $127,763, which is $5,496 below the Arizona state average of $133,259. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Tucson spans from $76,260 at the 10th percentile to $184,140 at the 90th percentile — a $107,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,050, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,700. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $79,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $76,260
25th Percentile $100,440
Median (50th) $127,763
75th Percentile $162,750
90th Percentile $184,140

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$153,866
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$140,128
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$137,380
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$133,259
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Tucson

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Tucson

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Tucson, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tucson

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Tucson, Arizona is $127,763 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $76,260 (10th percentile) to $184,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,763, a air traffic controller in Tucson earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Tucson's median air traffic controller salary of $127,763 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $133,259. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $127,763 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Tucson? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Tucson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.