How to Become a Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers earn a median salary of $148,080/year in the United States. Most positions require No formal educational credential. The highest-paying states include Virginia, Illinois, Georgia.
Where Air Traffic Controllers have the most money left over after rent
Median pay minus estimated federal + state + FICA taxes, minus 12 months of rent at HUD's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent. Darker green means more money left over each year. Hover any state for the breakdown.
View map data as a table
| State | Median (nominal) | Rent/mo (2BR) | Left after rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $192K | $1,646 | $113K |
| Texas | $170K | $1,415 | $110K |
| Illinois | $182K | $1,407 | $109K |
| Georgia | $178K | $1,434 | $106K |
| Minnesota | $177K | $1,384 | $104K |
| Tennessee | $157K | $1,215 | $104K |
| Colorado | $177K | $1,832 | $102K |
| Indiana | $159K | $1,144 | $101K |
| Washington | $163K | $1,830 | $100K |
| Kansas | $160K | $1,066 | $99K |
| Utah | $158K | $1,350 | $95K |
| New Mexico | $149K | $1,119 | $93K |
| Florida | $148K | $1,658 | $92K |
| Nevada | $141K | $1,501 | $89K |
| Arizona | $137K | $1,437 | $84K |
| Pennsylvania | $132K | $1,351 | $81K |
| Hawaii | $159K | $2,240 | $80K |
| Kentucky | $128K | $1,110 | $80K |
| New York | $145K | $1,917 | $79K |
| California | $160K | $2,471 | $79K |
| Connecticut | $141K | $1,679 | $79K |
| North Carolina | $129K | $1,284 | $78K |
| Oklahoma | $123K | $1,081 | $77K |
| Missouri | $122K | $1,097 | $76K |
| Alaska | $124K | $1,643 | $76K |
| Rhode Island | $126K | $1,544 | $74K |
| Maryland | $131K | $1,795 | $73K |
| Michigan | $119K | $1,272 | $72K |
| Alabama | $115K | $1,085 | $71K |
| New Jersey | $132K | $2,067 | $70K |
| North Dakota | $108K | $1,034 | $70K |
| Arkansas | $110K | $1,021 | $69K |
| Nebraska | $112K | $1,113 | $68K |
| South Carolina | $112K | $1,263 | $67K |
| Maine | $107K | $1,281 | $62K |
| Massachusetts | $125K | $2,347 | $62K |
| Vermont | $109K | $1,498 | $62K |
| Wyoming | $94K | $1,008 | $62K |
| Louisiana | $100K | $1,191 | $61K |
| Montana | $101K | $1,129 | $61K |
| Iowa | $91K | $1,064 | $55K |
| Mississippi | $88K | $1,077 | $53K |
| District of Columbia | $48K | $2,146 | $13K |
Education and training
Education requirements for this career vary by employer and specialization. Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the most current educational requirements, including typical degree levels, preferred fields of study, and any specialized training programs.
Breaking into air traffic controllers work usually requires No formal educational credential. Hands-on experience through internships, entry-level positions, or structured training complements formal education.
Licensing and certification
Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Some roles in this field require professional licensure; others rely on voluntary certifications to demonstrate competence. Check with your state's relevant licensing board for specific requirements in your area.
What the day-to-day looks like
The daily work in this field involves a combination of technical skills, problem-solving, and collaboration. Work environments range from office settings to field locations depending on the specific role and employer. Most positions are full-time, with overtime availability varying by industry and seasonal demand.
Career progression
Career advancement typically follows a path from entry-level to experienced to senior to management. Specialization, additional certifications, and advanced degrees can accelerate progression and unlock higher-paying roles. The salary difference between the 25th and 75th percentile for this occupation gives a realistic picture of the earnings growth you can expect over a career.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $192K | 1,120 |
| Illinois | $182K | 990 |
| Georgia | $178K | 970 |
| Colorado | $177K | 740 |
| Minnesota | $177K | 680 |
| Texas | $170K | 2,060 |
| Washington | $163K | 620 |
| California | $160K | 2,290 |
| Kansas | $160K | 430 |
| Indiana | $159K | 630 |
Where the jobs are
The highest-paying state for air traffic controllerss is Virginia at $191,820/year, that's $43,740 above the national median. But higher pay often comes with higher costs. Before assuming the top-paying state is the best financial move, check the full affordability breakdown for Virginia.
The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying states is $144,060. That spread sounds dramatic, but cost-of-living differences offset much of it. A air traffic controllers making $47,760 in District of Columbia may have more purchasing power than one making $191,820 in Virginia if rent and local prices differ enough.
By employment volume, the states with the most air traffic controllers jobs are California (2,290 workers), Texas (2,060 workers), Florida (1,950 workers). High employment numbers mean more job openings, more employer competition for talent, and usually more leverage when negotiating salary. States with fewer workers in the field may pay less but also have less competition for positions.
For the full state-by-state comparison with salary percentiles, cost-of-living adjustment, and rent affordability for air traffic controllerss, see the complete salary data page.
Salary negotiation
When negotiating salary for this role, the most effective approach is to know the BLS percentile range for your specific location. If you're at the 25th percentile with 5+ years of experience, you have a strong case for a market adjustment. Competing offers, specialized skills, and willingness to relocate are the most common negotiation levers.
What the data doesn't tell you
BLS salary data provides a reliable national picture, but actual compensation can vary based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location within a state. The percentile breakdown on AffordMap salary pages gives a more nuanced view than the median alone.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for air traffic controllerss in every metro.
View Air Traffic Controllers salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a air traffic controllers make?▼
The median air traffic controllers salary in the United States is $148,080 per year ($71/hour). Entry-level positions start around $78,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,610.
What education do you need to become a air traffic controller?▼
Most air traffic controllers positions require No formal educational credential. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for air traffic controllers?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for air traffic controllers.
What are the highest paying states for air traffic controllers?▼
The highest paying states for air traffic controllers are Virginia ($191,820), Illinois ($181,560), Georgia ($178,420), Colorado ($177,380), Minnesota ($176,840). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.