Air Traffic Controller Salary in 2026
How Much Do Air Traffic Controllers Make?
Air Traffic Controllers earn a median annual salary of $144,580 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $76,090 at the 10th percentile to $210,410 at the 90th percentile — a range of $134,320. The highest-paying state is Virginia at $185,890.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,090 |
| 25th percentile | $101,150 |
| Median (50th) | $144,580 |
| 75th percentile | $186,510 |
| 90th percentile | $210,410 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Air Traffic Controllers
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$76,090 – $101,150 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$144,580 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$186,510 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $210,410+ |
How to Earn More as an Air Traffic Controller
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Air Traffic Controllers in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA earn $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. Reaching the 75th percentile ($186,510) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Air Traffic Controller Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controllerthis career | $144,580 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $102,010 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $50,730 |
| Dispatcher | $48,880 |
| Avionics Technician | $81,390 |
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SOC: 53-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.