Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
The median pay for a air traffic controllers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $181,200/year ($87.12/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $88K at the entry level to $212K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.55), that's roughly $176,694 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,810/month, or 16.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $181K get you in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
About air traffic controllers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Entry-level air traffic controllers (10th percentile) start around $88K. Mid-career wages sit at $181K.Top earners bring in $212K or more - a $124K 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median is $181,200 a year - that works out to about $87.12 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $88,070, and experienced air traffic controllers can clear $211,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $181K enough to live in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $10,780/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,810/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 16.8% 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.55 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median air traffic controllers salary is worth about $176,694 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.