How to Become an Air Traffic Controller in 2026
Median salary: $144,580 · +1.2% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does an Air Traffic Controller do?
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Air Traffic Controller Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers is $144,580. The bottom 10% earn around $76,090 while the top 10% earn over $210,410.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $76,090 |
| Early career (P25) | $101,150 |
| Median | $144,580 |
| Experienced (P75) | $186,510 |
| Top earners (P90) | $210,410 |
Highest-paying metros
Air Traffic Controller salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginiatop | $185,890 |
| Minnesota | $176,030 |
| Illinois | $175,090 |
| Georgia | $174,600 |
| Colorado | $172,310 |
| Texas | $167,710 |
| Washington | $164,070 |
| Kansas | $156,620 |
| Utah | $156,120 |
| Indiana | $155,790 |
| Tennessee | $153,670 |
| California | $152,010 |
| Nevada | $147,700 |
| New Mexico | $145,290 |
| Florida | $144,710 |
| New York | $142,190 |
| Hawaii | $142,040 |
| New Jersey | $135,470 |
| Arizona | $130,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $129,310 |
| Kentucky | $126,550 |
| Rhode Island | $123,610 |
| Connecticut | $121,910 |
| Oklahoma | $121,580 |
| North Dakota | $121,470 |
| North Carolina | $120,580 |
| Alaska | $120,370 |
| Idaho | $117,150 |
| Missouri | $115,440 |
| Maryland | $114,620 |
| Michigan | $113,650 |
| Oregon | $113,030 |
| Alabama | $112,740 |
| Nebraska | $108,990 |
| South Carolina | $107,330 |
| Wisconsin | $106,750 |
| Massachusetts | $103,230 |
| Louisiana | $99,670 |
| Arkansas | $99,490 |
| South Dakota | $98,530 |
| Iowa | $95,200 |
| Mississippi | $91,480 |
| Wyoming | $89,650 |
| West Virginia | $86,390 |
| District of Columbia | $35,940 |
How to earn more as an Air Traffic Controller
The salary range for Air Traffic Controllers spans $134,320 — from $76,090 at entry level to $210,410 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA at $192,500 — $47,920 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile.
How to get there
Typical education: Associate's degree
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Enroll in an associate degree or vocational program (CDL training school or community college)
- Complete required coursework and hands-on labs (typically 2 years full-time)
- Earn professional certifications (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Complete long-term on-the-job training under supervision
- Build portfolio of work and pursue advancement after 1–2 years
Community colleges and vocational schools offer the most affordable path. Look for programs accredited by relevant industry bodies. Many schools offer evening and weekend schedules for working students. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and workforce development scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Some programs include co-op or internship components that provide paid work experience while you learn.
Community college is the most cost-effective. Workforce development grants and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Switching from a related field
- Evaluate transfer credits from your existing education — many general courses count
- Complete a bridge or accelerated certification program
- Earn industry certifications (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Apply for positions emphasizing your combined experience
If you already hold an associate degree or higher in a related field, you can often complete a bridge program in 6–12 months. Many community colleges evaluate prior learning and grant credit for relevant work experience. Professional certifications may have experience-based eligibility that your career history already satisfies.
Bridge programs are shorter and cheaper than full degree programs. Some professional associations offer member discounts on certification exams.
Career change from an unrelated field
- Enroll in a vocational program or associate degree
- Complete core technical coursework (often accelerated for adults)
- Complete long-term on-the-job training
- Leverage your previous career experience for faster advancement
Adult learners often complete programs faster than traditional students because of stronger study skills and motivation. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer accelerated evening/weekend tracks designed for working adults. Your prior professional experience — project management, communication, problem-solving — gives you an advantage even if the technical skills are new.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants may cover full tuition for qualifying career changers.
Already working in another career?
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The Air Traffic Controller role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Air Traffic Controller.
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SOC: 53-2021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034