Air Traffic Controllers Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a air traffic controllers in U.S. is $144,580/year ($69.51/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $76K at the entry level to $210K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $145K get you in U.S.?
About air traffic controllers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level air traffic controllers (10th percentile) start around $76K. Mid-career wages sit at $145K.Top earners bring in $210K or more - a $134K spread from bottom to top.
Air Traffic Controllers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $186K | +29% | 1,130 |
| Minnesota | $176K | +22% | 630 |
| Illinois | $175K | +21% | 1,000 |
| Georgia | $175K | +21% | 970 |
| Texas | $168K | +16% | 2,020 |
| Washington | $164K | +13% | 600 |
| Kansas | $157K | +8% | 410 |
| Utah | $156K | +8% | 350 |
| Indiana | $156K | +8% | 620 |
| Tennessee | $154K | +6% | 610 |
| California | $152K | +5% | 2,260 |
| Nevada | $148K | +2% | 210 |
| New Mexico | $145K | +0% | 360 |
| Florida | $145K | +0% | 1,980 |
| New York | $142K | -2% | 1,190 |
Track air traffic controllers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Transportation
Frequently asked questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in U.S.?
The median is $144,580 a year - that works out to about $69.51 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $76,090, and experienced air traffic controllers can clear $210,410. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $145K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,131/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 15.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a air traffic controllers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. 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 $144,580 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.