🗼 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Salary in United States

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Air Traffic Controller in United States.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +4%
$142,000
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $68.27/hr
📊 80% Range: $85,000 – $198,000
10th % Entry $85,000
25th % Junior $113,500
50th % Median $142,000
75th % Senior $170,000
90th % Top 10% $198,000
Base Annual Salary $142,000
Target Annual Bonus $17,040
Annual Stock / Equity $31,240
Total Compensation (TC) $190,280
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Air Traffic Controller Openings in United States

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $142,000/yr median benchmark.

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Salary Progression by Experience Level in United States

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Air Traffic Controller

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Air Traffic Controller

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$85,000
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Air Traffic Controller

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$142,000
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Air Traffic Controller

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$170,000
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$198,000

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$195,960

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$193,120

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$190,280

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$181,760

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$181,760

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$181,760

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$177,500

California

COL Index: 142%
$177,500

Role Profile & Career Requirements

Air Traffic Controllers monitor radar screens, manage aircraft spacing in airspace corridors, issue runway takeoff/landing clearances, and handle in-flight emergencies.

Required Education
Associate's or Bachelor's + FAA Academy Training
Experience Benchmark
2-5 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+4%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in United States?

The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controller in United States is $142,000, with entry-level professionals earning around $85,000 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $198,000.

What is the average hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controller in United States?

On average, a Air Traffic Controller in United States makes approximately $68.27 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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