What is the average hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers?

The median hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers is $64.81 per hour. This translates to approximately $134,800 per year working full-time.

What states pay Air Traffic Controllers the most?

Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a air traffic controller?

Typical education required: High school diploma.

Air Traffic Controllers Salary

Name: Air Traffic Controllers Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$134,800

$64.81 / hour

▲ 4% (Average)

Salary Range

$71,444 - $231,856

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

25,840

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Air Traffic Controllers Salary by Percentile

$71,444 $231,856

10th pct Median: $134,800 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$71,444	$34.35
25th Percentile	$97,056	$46.66
50th (Median)	$134,800	$64.81
75th Percentile	$186,024	$89.43
90th (Top Earners)	$231,856	$111.47
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Air Traffic Controllers

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$177,936	$85.55
2	California (CA)	$168,500	$81.01
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$164,456	$79.07
4	New York (NY)	$164,456	$79.07
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$161,760	$77.77
6	Connecticut (CT)	$159,064	$76.47
7	Maryland (MD)	$159,064	$76.47
8	Hawaii (HI)	$155,020	$74.53
9	Alaska (AK)	$150,976	$72.58
10	Washington (WA)	$150,976	$72.58
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Air Traffic Controllers

Air Traffic Controllers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the transportation sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma

Job Outlook for Air Traffic Controllers

Projected Growth

+4%

2022-2032

▲ 4% (Average)

Annual Job Openings

1,651,000

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make?

The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers is $134,800 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $71,444, while the top 10% earn $231,856 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers?

Air Traffic Controllers earn a median hourly wage of $64.81 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $134,800 annually.

Is Air Traffic Controllers a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $134,800, Air Traffic Controllers earns above the U.S. median household income. Job outlook: Average (4% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Air Traffic Controllers need?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.