Air traffic controllers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Air traffic controllers in the United States is $148,080 per year — about $71 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $104,520 and $190,570 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Air traffic controllers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $198,590 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $186,640 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $189,780 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $186,510 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $171,910 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $178,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $196,290 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $161,700 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $179,670 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $170,120 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Air traffic controllers make in the US?
The median salary is $148,080 per year (about $71 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $104,520 and $190,570 a year.
How much do Air traffic controllers make per hour?
About $71 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $148,080 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Air traffic controllers?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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