Air Traffic Controller Salary in the United States

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How much does an Air Traffic Controller make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Air Traffic Controller in the United States is $66,321. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $58,838 to $75,082, with most professionals earning between $52,025 and $83,059.

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Salary range for a Air Traffic Controller
$58,838 to $75,082
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Air Traffic Controller Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Air Traffic Controller between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Air Traffic Controller in each city.

Air Traffic Controller Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Air Traffic Controller in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $82,828
Washington, DC $73,430
Miami, FL $63,721
Chicago, IL $68,536
Boston, MA $73,967
New York, NY $76,859
Dallas, TX $65,492
If you'd like know Air Traffic Controller Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Air Traffic Controller

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
58838
75082
66321

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
60900
78875
69426
What is the average salary for Air Traffic Controller in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Air Traffic Controller in the United States. The base salary for Air Traffic Controller ranges from $58,838 to $75,082 with the average base salary of $66,321. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $60,900 to $78,875 with the average total cash compensation of $69,426.

View Average Salary for Air Traffic Controller as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $66,321 $58,838 - $75,082
Bonus $3,106 $2,062 - $3,793
Total Pay $69,426 $60,900 - $78,875
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Air Traffic Controller, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
58838
75082

 

Comments about Air Traffic Controller

What's the difference between Air Traffic Controller Trainee and Air Traffic Controller?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Air Traffic Controller is $66,321, and the average salary of Air Traffic Controller Trainee is $56,590. The average salary of Air Traffic Controller Trainee is lower than Air Traffic Controller. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am an Air Traffic Controller, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Air Traffic Controller. an Air Traffic Controller Salary in Riverside, CA is $69,975 as of April 01, 2025; an Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bossier City, LA is $60,842 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Air Traffic Controller Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of an Air Traffic Controller vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Air Traffic Controller?
Salary ranges for an Air Traffic Controller can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

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Last Update: April 01, 2025