Air Traffic Controllers Salary in District of Columbia
The median pay for a air traffic controllers in District of Columbia is $35,940/year ($17.28/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers. Note: the mean (average) wage is $78K, significantly higher than the median. This typically reflects a mix of employment settings including academic and private practice positions.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across District of Columbia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $36K get you in District of Columbia?
About air traffic controllers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level air traffic controllers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K. Top earners bring in $192K or more, a $157K spread from bottom to top.
Air Traffic Controllers salary by metro in District of Columbia
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $176K | +390% | 1,690 |
Compare to other states
Track air traffic controllers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in District of Columbia?
The median is $35,940 a year, that works out to about $17 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,940, and experienced air traffic controllers can clear $192,440. The mean (average) is $77,660, reflecting that some workers earn substantially more. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,486/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,146/month, which eats 86.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a air traffic controllers salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median air traffic controllers salary is worth about $33,009 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do air traffic controllers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.