Transportation & Logistics Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median air traffic controller salary in Philadelphia, PA is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
+$8,243
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $8,243 above the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$129,137
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$127,763
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$120,894
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$115,399
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Philadelphia earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Philadelphia? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Philadelphia 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.