Average Salary for an Air Traffic Controller in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, being an Air Traffic Controller will be one of the top-paying jobs that doesn’t need a college degree. Air traffic controllers use radar and communication systems to guide planes safely through the sky. They work in airport towers and radar facilities across America.
These professionals help manage over 50,000 flights daily during busy travel times.
Knowing your worth as an air traffic controller helps you understand this career's financial benefits. It helps you plan for the intensive training and high-stress environment. Many people wonder if air traffic control pays enough to justify the demanding work schedule.
They also want to know about retirement benefits and job security.
Some ask about the age limits and physical requirements for this profession. This blog provides complete information about air traffic controller salaries across America. We will show you real salary numbers from government sources and salary platforms.
You will learn how experience dramatically affects your earning potential. We will list which states pay controllers the most money. The article includes practical tips to maximize your aviation career income. We answer common questions about federal benefits, overtime pay, and mandatory retirement. This guide shows what air traffic controllers earn and how to reach top pay in this vital aviation job.
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Average Salary for an Air Traffic Controller in the USA?
$112,733 per year (Average)
In 2025, the average salary for air traffic controllers is $112,733 per year. This data comes from various sources, such as PayScale, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We calculated this by reviewing several global salary surveys and government employment statistics.
PayScale shows $95,376 annually, while Glassdoor reports $98,201 per year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates $144,580 as the median wage, and ZipRecruiter lists $96,874 for FAA controllers. The current average salary shows steady growth from 2024 levels. This 4-5% increase comes from controller shortages nationwide and increased air travel demand. The FAA has raised starting salaries to attract more qualified candidates to this critical profession.
Salary for an Air Traffic Controller Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: Air traffic controllers make around $95,376 to $144,580 each year. This range comes from various global salary surveys and several USA employment data sources.
Salary range: The pay ranges from $48,981 at the entry level to $200,000+ at the high end, based on government statistics and salary platform data. Most controllers fall between $74,645 and $163,480 annually.
Salary by experience:
Entry level (0-2 years): $74,645 per year
Mid-career (3-5 years): $95,000 per year
Experienced (6-15 years): $144,580 per year
Senior level (15+ years): $160,000+ per year
75th percentile: Air traffic controllers in the top 25% make $160,000 or more each year. This information comes from various USA salary surveys and federal employment data.
Salary for an Air Traffic Controller: Regional Comparison
Location significantly affects air traffic controller salaries across America. States with major airports and high air traffic volumes typically pay more money. Federal pay scales also adjust for local cost-of-living differences. The concentration of busy airports in each region drives compensation levels through locality pay adjustments. Here's how salaries compare across top U.S. states for air traffic controllers:
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and federal pay scale information, New Hampshire offers the highest pay for air traffic controllers, followed by Virginia and Connecticut. These states benefit from high locality pay adjustments and major airport facilities. The best value for controller careers appears in states like Minnesota, which offers high salaries with reasonable living costs.
6 Tips to Grow Your Air Traffic Controller Salary
1. Complete FAA Academy Training Successfully: Excel in initial air traffic control training to start at higher pay grades. Top academy graduates usually receive assignments at crowded airports. They enjoy locality pay boosts of 25-35% over their base salaries.
2. Seek High-Traffic Facility Assignments: Request transfers to major airports like Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, or Los Angeles International. Controllers at these facilities earn much more due to complexity pay and locality adjustments. They often make $20,000 to $40,000 more than those at smaller airports.
3. Pursue Supervisory and Management Roles: Advance to facility management, training instructor, or quality assurance positions. Supervisory controllers usually earn between $180,000 and $220,000 a year. This is a big jump compared to operational controller jobs.
4. Maximize Overtime Opportunities: Take advantage of overtime shifts during busy periods and staff shortages. Many controllers make an extra 25-50% of their base salary by working overtime. This is common in understaffed facilities.
5. Obtain Additional Ratings and Endorsements: Earn ratings for various roles in your facility, like approach control, departure control, and ground control. Multi-rated controllers hold more value. They often get priority for overtime and special assignments.
6. Consider Federal Contract or Private Tower Positions: Explore opportunities with contract tower companies or private aviation facilities. These jobs may have different benefits. They usually offer competitive base salaries and performance bonuses. Federal jobs may not provide these benefits.
FAQs About Air Traffic Controller Salary
Is the average salary for an Air Traffic Controller before or after tax?
All salary numbers shown are gross annual pay before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes to calculate your actual take-home pay from air traffic controller positions.
Do Air Traffic Controllers receive overtime pay and shift differentials?
Yes, federal air traffic controllers receive overtime pay at time-and-a-half rates for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Night and Sunday shifts include differential pay, adding 10-25% to hourly rates.
How much do entry-level Air Traffic Controllers make compared to experienced professionals?
Entry-level controllers typically start around $74,645 annually, while experienced professionals with 15+ years can earn $160,000+ per year. Within three years, certified controllers average over $160,000 according to FAA data.
What benefits do Air Traffic Controllers receive beyond their base salary?
Federal controllers receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance, life insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation, sick leave, and the Federal Employees Retirement System worth 30-40% of base salary.
How does an Air Traffic Controller's pay compare to other aviation careers?
Air traffic controllers typically earn more than airline pilots early in their careers and significantly more than aircraft mechanics or flight attendants. The profession offers one of aviation's highest earning potentials without flight training requirements.
Can Air Traffic Controllers work past mandatory retirement age?
Federal controllers must retire by age 56 under normal circumstances, though some exceptions exist for certain positions. This early retirement allows for full federal pensions after relatively short careers.
What education is required to earn an Air Traffic Controller salary level?
Most controller positions require completion of FAA Academy training programs, typically lasting 6-18 months. While college degrees are not mandatory, they can help with initial hiring and career advancement opportunities.
What's the job outlook for Air Traffic Controller salaries in 2025 and beyond?
The controller profession shows strong demand with positive salary trends. Controller shortages and increasing air traffic suggest continued salary growth and excellent job security for qualified professionals.
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All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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