Air Traffic Controller Salary Overview
The Air Traffic Controller is a sought-after profession in the United States with a median annual salary of $137,380. Compensation typically ranges from $73,600 for entry-level positions to $198,200 for experienced professionals in high-demand markets.Salary Range: The typical Air Traffic Controller in the US earns between $73,600 and $198,200 per year, with a median of $137,380.
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience
Entry-level air traffic controllers earn around $89,297, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn $185,463 or more.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $92,045 | $44/hr | $68,442 |
| Mid | $137,380 | $66/hr | $95,738 |
| Senior | $173,099 | $83/hr | $116,830 |
| Lead | $210,191 | $101/hr | $140,755 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Air Traffic Controller in each US state.
Pay for air traffic controllers varies significantly by state, with coastal and high-cost-of-living areas generally offering higher salaries to offset expenses.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,704 | $10,510 | $97,948 | 28.7% |
| Alaska | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| Arizona | $137,380 | $22,218 | $3,070 | $10,510 | $101,583 | 26.1% |
| Arkansas | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,819 | $10,510 | $98,834 | 28.1% |
| California | $137,380 | $22,218 | $8,914 | $10,510 | $95,738 | 30.3% |
| Colorado | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,385 | $10,510 | $99,268 | 27.7% |
| Connecticut | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,993 | $10,510 | $97,659 | 28.9% |
| Delaware | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,836 | $10,510 | $96,816 | 29.5% |
| District of Columbia | $137,380 | $22,218 | $8,836 | $10,510 | $95,816 | 30.3% |
| Florida | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| Georgia | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,883 | $10,510 | $97,769 | 28.8% |
| Hawaii | $137,380 | $22,218 | $10,406 | $10,510 | $94,246 | 31.4% |
| Idaho | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,121 | $10,510 | $97,531 | 29.0% |
| Illinois | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,663 | $10,510 | $97,989 | 28.7% |
| Indiana | $137,380 | $22,218 | $4,190 | $10,510 | $100,462 | 26.9% |
| Iowa | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,220 | $10,510 | $99,432 | 27.6% |
| Kansas | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,174 | $10,510 | $97,479 | 29.0% |
| Kentucky | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,369 | $10,510 | $99,283 | 27.7% |
| Louisiana | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,257 | $10,510 | $99,395 | 27.6% |
| Maine | $137,380 | $22,218 | $8,285 | $10,510 | $96,367 | 29.9% |
| Maryland | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,464 | $10,510 | $98,189 | 28.5% |
| Massachusetts | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,649 | $10,510 | $98,003 | 28.7% |
| Michigan | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,601 | $10,510 | $99,052 | 27.9% |
| Minnesota | $137,380 | $22,218 | $8,088 | $10,510 | $96,564 | 29.7% |
| Mississippi | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,879 | $10,510 | $98,773 | 28.1% |
| Missouri | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,723 | $10,510 | $98,929 | 28.0% |
| Montana | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,998 | $10,510 | $97,654 | 28.9% |
| Nebraska | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,502 | $10,510 | $98,150 | 28.6% |
| Nevada | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| New Hampshire | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| New Jersey | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,625 | $10,510 | $98,027 | 28.6% |
| New Mexico | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,737 | $10,510 | $98,916 | 28.0% |
| New York | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,550 | $10,510 | $97,102 | 29.3% |
| North Carolina | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,608 | $10,510 | $99,044 | 27.9% |
| North Dakota | $137,380 | $22,218 | $2,394 | $10,510 | $102,258 | 25.6% |
| Ohio | $137,380 | $22,218 | $3,338 | $10,510 | $101,314 | 26.3% |
| Oklahoma | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,035 | $10,510 | $98,617 | 28.2% |
| Oregon | $137,380 | $22,218 | $11,606 | $10,510 | $93,046 | 32.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,380 | $22,218 | $4,218 | $10,510 | $100,435 | 26.9% |
| Rhode Island | $137,380 | $22,218 | $5,290 | $10,510 | $99,362 | 27.7% |
| South Carolina | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,165 | $10,510 | $97,487 | 29.0% |
| South Dakota | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| Tennessee | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| Texas | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| Utah | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,388 | $10,510 | $98,264 | 28.5% |
| Vermont | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,329 | $10,510 | $97,323 | 29.2% |
| Virginia | $137,380 | $22,218 | $7,383 | $10,510 | $97,269 | 29.2% |
| Washington | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
| West Virginia | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,145 | $10,510 | $98,507 | 28.3% |
| Wisconsin | $137,380 | $22,218 | $6,193 | $10,510 | $98,459 | 28.3% |
| Wyoming | $137,380 | $22,218 | $0 | $10,510 | $104,652 | 23.8% |
Top Cities for Air Traffic Controller Pay
The highest-paying metro areas for air traffic controllers tend to be major metropolitan centers with strong industry demand and higher costs of living.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,118 |
| Chicago, IL | $151,118 |
| Houston, TX | $151,118 |
| New York, NY | $151,118 |
| Northern Virginia | $151,118 |
Calculate Air Traffic Controller Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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Tax Breakdown
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Air Traffic Controller
Becoming a air traffic controller typically requires relevant education, training, or certification in the field. Many employers also value practical experience, professional development, and industry-specific credentials.Air Traffic Controller Career Outlook
Employment of air traffic controllers is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by continued demand across industries. Professionals who stay current with evolving requirements and build specialized expertise will find the strongest job prospects.Air Traffic Controller Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for air traffic controllers in the US is $137,380, with a typical range from $73,600 to $198,200 depending on experience and location.
The highest-paying states for air traffic controllers include CA, IL, TX. These states typically have strong demand and higher costs of living.
Entry-level air traffic controllers can expect to earn around $89,297 per year, with salary increasing as they gain experience and expertise.
Being a air traffic controller can be a rewarding career with solid compensation and growth potential. Job outlook is generally positive across most regions.
The median hourly rate for air traffic controllers is approximately $66.05, though this varies based on experience, location, and employer.