Air traffic controller earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level air traffic controller earnings begin at:

$94.20 per hour

$195,940 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level air traffic controller earnings begin at:

$81.16 per hour

$168,810 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level air traffic controller earnings begin at:

$62.75 per hour

$130,510 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level air traffic controller earnings begin at:

$15.19 per hour

$31,600 per year

10th percentile

Starting level air traffic controller earnings begin at:

$15.19 per hour

$31,600 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Air traffic controller salary by state

State Name Average Salary
Michigan $99,360
Puerto Rico $98,770
North Dakota $98,450
Alabama $98,220
South Carolina $97,950
Oregon $96,120
Connecticut $95,470
Nebraska $94,950
Massachusetts $92,120
Arkansas $90,060
Mississippi $88,650
Louisiana $86,760
Guam $84,900
Vermont $81,520
Iowa $81,120
South Dakota $79,120
Montana $78,600
Wyoming $76,190
West Virginia $74,940
Virginia $164,940
New Hampshire $163,030
Illinois $160,010
Georgia $158,890
California $154,630
Texas $153,050
Minnesota $152,480
Colorado $148,650
Washington $141,980
Ohio $141,090
Kansas $141,020
Indiana $138,720
Hawaii $137,260
Tennessee $135,410
New York $135,230
Utah $134,280
District of Columbia $130,510
New Mexico $127,280
Florida $121,700
New Jersey $117,950
Arizona $112,130
Alaska $111,400
Kentucky $109,750
Oklahoma $109,470
Pennsylvania $107,540
Maryland $106,370
Nevada $103,020
Idaho $102,810
Rhode Island $101,450
North Carolina $100,710
Missouri $100,570
Wisconsin $100,050

How do air traffic controller salaries compare to similar careers?

Air traffic controllers earn 21% more than similar careers in District of Columbia. On average, they make less than aviation inspectors but more than couriers.

Career Median Salary
Aviation inspector salary $103K
Logistician salary $107K
Transportation planner salary $107K
Customs broker salary $101K
Air traffic controller salary $131K
Aircraft mechanic salary $75K
Truck driver salary $60K
Travel agent salary $46K
Courier salary $46K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)