Air Traffic Controller Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $214,799 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $210,642 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $196,784 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $191,240 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $182,926 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $180,154 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $177,382 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $173,225 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $169,068 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $159,367 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $159,367 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $157,981 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $155,210 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $152,438 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $152,438 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $149,666 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $145,509 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $145,509 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $141,352 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $141,352 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $138,580 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $138,580 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $137,194 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $137,194 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $135,808 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $131,651 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $131,651 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $128,879 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $128,879 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $128,879 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $127,494 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $127,494 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $126,108 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $124,722 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $121,950 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $120,565 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $120,565 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $120,565 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $119,179 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $117,793 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $117,793 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $116,407 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $115,021 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $115,021 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $110,864 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $108,092 | -22.0% | High |
A Air Traffic Controller's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers typically earn $77,130–$99,730 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $150,580–$169,722 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Air Traffic Controller role currently has high demand in the job market with a 2.5% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Transportation sector.
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What is the average salary for a Air Traffic Controller?The average salary for a Air Traffic Controller in the United States is $138,580 per year, with a median of $132,480.
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What is the starting salary for a Air Traffic Controller?Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers typically earn between $77,130 and $99,730 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Air Traffic Controllers the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Air Traffic Controllers the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $138,580, a Air Traffic Controller earns approximately $66.62 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Air Traffic Controller a good career in 2026?Yes — the Air Traffic Controller role has high demand with 2.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.