Transportation & Logistics Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median air traffic controller salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $127,763 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$127,763
vs State Avg
$-4,122
vs National
$-9,617
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median air traffic controller salary of $127,763, which is $4,122 below the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh'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 Pittsburgh 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. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
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 Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$140,128
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$129,137
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$120,894
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$115,399
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,763, a air traffic controller in Pittsburgh earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median air traffic controller salary of $127,763 is 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $131,885. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $127,763 in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Pittsburgh 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.