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Air Traffic Controller salary
Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement to keep flights safe and on schedule.
Median annual
$138,000
Median hourly
$66
Top 10% earn
$200,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$78,000
Median$138,000
Top 10%$200,000
Air Traffic Controller salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $97,200 | $47 | -30% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $120,200 | $58 | -13% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $145,900 | $70 | +6% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $174,900 | $84 | +27% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified air traffic controllers, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
FAA Academy training; degree or military experience typically required.
Job outlook
3% growth through 2033 — FAA hiring continues.
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