Salary guide
Air Traffic Controller Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What air traffic controllers earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median air traffic controller salary in the U.S. is $148,080 per year, or $71.19 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $78,420, while the top 10% earned more than $215,610.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Air Traffic Controller pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,420 | $37.70 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $104,520 | $50.25 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $148,080 | $71.19 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $190,570 | $91.62 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $215,610 | $103.66 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $104,520 | $148,080 | $190,570 |
| Per month | $8,710 | $12,340 | $15,881 |
| Every two weeks | $4,020 | $5,695 | $7,330 |
| Per week | $2,010 | $2,848 | $3,665 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects air traffic controller pay
- Licenses and endorsements (CDL Class A, hazmat, tanker)
- Overtime and peak-season premium pay
- Long-haul versus local routes
- Equipment certifications and safety record
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as an air traffic controller
- Get credentialed: FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification, Class II medical certificate, Control tower operator (CTO) certificate.
- Build specialty experience: Work all positions.
- Move up: roles such as supervisor or trainer and facility manager typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Air Traffic Controller pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of air traffic controllers to change by +1.7% from 2025–35, slower than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,100 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 53-2021 (“Air traffic controllers”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Air Traffic Controller salary FAQ
How much does an air traffic controller make per hour?
The median hourly wage for air traffic controllers was $71.19 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $37.70 and the top 10% earned about $103.66 or more.
How much does an air traffic controller make a month?
At the median annual wage of $148,080, that works out to about $12,340 per month before taxes, or about $5,695 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for an air traffic controller?
New air traffic controllers often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $78,420 and the 25th percentile was $104,520 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can air traffic controllers earn more?
Common ways include earning FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification and Class II medical certificate, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as supervisor or trainer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2021 (Air traffic controllers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Air traffic controllers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.