Transportation & Logistics Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median air traffic controller salary in Dover, DE is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$131,885
vs State Avg
$-6,869
vs National
$-5,495
Cost of Living
96%

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

Dover offers a median air traffic controller salary of $131,885, which is $6,869 below the Delaware state average of $138,754. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $78,720 at the 10th percentile to $190,080 at the 90th percentile — a $111,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $78,720
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $131,885
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $190,080

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$144,249
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$140,128
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$136,006
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$134,632
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Dover

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware 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 Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Dover

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dover

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Dover, Delaware is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $78,720 (10th percentile) to $190,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,885, a air traffic controller in Dover earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Dover's median air traffic controller salary of $131,885 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $138,754. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $131,885 in Dover 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 Dover? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Dover 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.