As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Air Traffic Control Engineer in the United States is $102,310 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, an Air Traffic Control Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Air Traffic Control Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Air Traffic Control Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Partnersh... Level Air Traffic Control Engineer | $59,286 |
| Partnersh... Level Air Traffic Control Engineer | $75,592 |
| Air Traff... Level Air Traffic Control Engineer | $103,944 |
| Partnersh... Level Air Traffic Control Engineer | $120,434 |
| Partnersh... Level Air Traffic Control Engineer | $155,406 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Air Traffic Control Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Air Traffic Control Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Air Traffic Control Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Air Traffic Control Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $127,888 | $61.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $122,772 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $117,656 | $57.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $112,541 | $54.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $112,541 | $54.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Air Traffic Control Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Air Traffic Control Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,326 in 2023 to around $92,315 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Air Traffic Control Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $93,326 |
| 2024 | $93,230 |
| 2025 | $92,315 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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